The 2007 Redigaffi (Merlot) is totally seamless in its opulent dark plums, blackberries, chocolate, new leather and French oak. The wine turns deeper and richer in the glass, showing off its considerable structure, depth and richness. Over time, the clarity and inner perfume come to life, rounding out this magnificent Redigaffi. The 2007 is a Redigaffi built on understated elegance rather than sheer power. Silky tannins frame a long, refined finish. This is a wonderful effort from Tua Rita. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. This is a gorgeous set of new wines from Tua Rita. Perhaps the best news for consumers is there is very little qualitative difference between the estate’s more modestly-priced wines and the high-end bottlings, something that is typical of quite a few properties in Maremma in 2007.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The Tua Rita 2007 Redigaffi marks a new chapter in this retrospective. Starting with this vintage and moving forward to the younger ones, we start to see the modern or contemporary personality of this Tuscan Merlot. The oak tones emerge with clarity, as do some creamy or lactic notes (with a hint of aged Pecorino). Overall, the wine is softly layered and opulent. There are aromas of dried blueberry, plum and toast mixed in with spicy notes of sumac or cumin. The style may be a little outdated today, but this wine continues to go strong.