The debut vintage, the 2000 Crosara (100% Merlot) was aged 20 months in new French oak. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with scents of smoke, espresso, cola, mocha, and black cherry liqueur. Medium-bodied, rich, and layered, with great fruit, soft tannin, and a velvety texture, it may merit 90 points, but I am being conservative in view of the fact that it is the first effort. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620