The 2007 Baffonero (Merlot) is a new bottling inspired by the finest Merlots of Tuscany, Masseto in particular. Super-ripe black fruit, smoke, tar, incense and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from the opulent, full-throttle Baffonero. The wine turns more muscular in the glass as its formidable structure emerges from beneath the massive fruit. Ripeness is pushed to the extreme yet everything falls into place nicely. The finish loses just a bit of intensity, exposing a slight dryness on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200