The 2009 Le Sughere di Frassinello is simply dazzling in this vintage. Expressive floral notes are woven throughout a fabric of vibrant dark fruit in this intense, supple red. Racy and expressive from start to finish, the wine impresses for its fabulous harmony and ripe, explosive finish. Le Sughere is best described as the estate’s second label. It is a 50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in French oak, 50% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Proprietor Paolo Panerai is a bit of a Renaissance man. Panerai publishes Milano Finanza, Italy’s equivalent of Barrons (for which he also writes one of that country’s most widely read editorial columns), publishes a number of other more lifestyle oriented magazines and has a joint venture with CNBC, to list a few of his business interests. Oh, and he makes pretty good wines, too. Since the 1970s Panerai and his family have owned Castellare, one of the leading estates in Chianti Classico. More recently, Panerai has set his sights on making first-rate wines in Maremma through this joint venture with the Rothschild family. Rocca di Frassinello is a young winery, and the best is clearly yet to come. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

This red is imbued with black currant, cherry and cedar aromas and flavors. The tannins are firm, but nicely entwined with the texture, and this finishes with a harmony of fruit and spice. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2022. 2,250 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Maremma Toscana Select to Add

Le Sughere di Frassinello represents a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 shows a dark, inky color and alluring aromas of savory spice, mature fruit, plum, cherry and moist pipe tobacco. There’s loads of heft and concentration in the mouth followed by a decadent, velvety finish. ——M.L.(2/1/2012)—— 90