The 2009 MERLOT Diamond Label was aged for 8 months in French oak. Short and simple, with little concentration or structure, this modestly priced wine is juicy and goes down easy, but is quite straightforward. There’s a slightly exuberant plum note that might fade a bit with a little age, but I wouldn’t recommend aging this. It is likely better now than it will ever be in the future. Drink now-2012. The Recanati ‘08s (some of which have been previously reviewed) will not be imported into the USA, the importer advises, in that it is a Shmitta year (see the short article at connected with this issue). Recanati’s interesting wines tend to start with the Reserves. The Diamond Label series is well priced and pleasant enough, but limited in structure and concentration. In fairness, there is a limit to what you can ask of wines in that price range, but assume that brand level is for immediate consumption and uncomplicated drinking. The name comes from the Diamond icon on the label, pointing at the Recanati name.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

A charry red, with sappy red fruit flavors. Kosher. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add