A pure expression of Merlot that sees a partial "appassimento" or drying of the grapes (but clocks in at a normal 14% alcohol level), the Scarbolo 2015 Campo del Viotto opens to a wild or untamed character with dark fruit, plum and dried cherry. The fruit is backed up by crushed white pepper, tar, black licorice and spent campfire ember. This is an elegant, mid-weight wine that offers a new and intriguing view onto a grape you might think you know well. This wine offers a new side to Merlot. There is a subtle touch of hot-vintage sweetness on the close with fruit from clay-soil vineyards. This was a release of about 8,000 bottles.