The 2007 Bolgheri Rosso (50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet, 15% Syrah, and 5% Sangiovese) is especially successful. This sexy red flows from the glass with generous dark fruit, sweet herbs and French oak. Medium to full in body, this glorious, ripe wine bodes extremely well for the estate’s top bottlings. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Like many estates in Bolgheri, Le Macchiole has some beautiful wines that are coming into the market shortly. I visited the estate at the tail end of the 2006 harvest and already the early buzz in the air was palpable. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

An attractive red, with berry and meaty aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Very good, but lacks some depth of fruit and complexity. Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Sangiovese. Drink now. 6,670 cases made. -JS