Richer and weightier than the 2005, the 2004 Morellino di Scansano I Perazzi is a stylish, highly enjoyable Morellino and a terrific value as well. It offers plenty of sweet dark fruit intermingled with lovely notes of spices, menthol and licorice that add complexity, with much persistence on the palate, showing just how satisfying a Morellino can be. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2010. This new estate is owned by New York restaurateurs Lidia Bastianich, Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali. “We noticed that the international varieties that are more common in the zone such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon don’t do especially well here as the climate is especially warm and very dry, much like you might find in southern France or Spain.” says Joe Bastianich. “We want to make a wine that captures some of those Mediterranean characteristics, like the aromatics of a great Chateauneuf du Pape. With Aragone we aim to make a wine that is powerful and complex, but without being overly heavy and concentrated. The Morellino is, of course, our entry-level wine. Even though it sees nine months in oak our Morellino is meant to be an expression that is faithful to the region, but that is also affordable and easy to drink.” Importer: Dark Star Imports, New York, NY; tel. (646) 312-8921