Cotarella's flagship wine, his 100% Merlot called Montiano, is aged in 100% new oak casks for 12 months, and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. The terrific opaque purple-colored 1998 Montiano exhibits a spectacular bouquet of black cherry liqueur, licorice, and toasty vanillin. The wine explodes on the palate, offering copious quantities of glycerin, cassis, black cherries, and blackberries. As it sits in the glass, aromas and flavors of melted chocolate and toasty oak emerge. The finish lasts for 40+ seconds. This 1998 should drink well for 10-15 years. Bravo! A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620