A brilliant effort (Riccardo Cotarella is the oenologist), this Bordeaux look-alike is made from 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It offers up aromas of toasty French oak along with smoke, chocolate, cedar, black currants, and spice. Dense, medium to full-bodied, and intense, this delicious 2000 should drink well for 8-10 years.
A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620