The 2006 Merlot is an engaging, generous wine with an attractive plumpness to its fruit, excellent length and a harmonious finish. A dollop of Petit Verdot (5%) gives the wine an additional measure of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. This is one of the better sets of wines I can remember tasting from Planeta. The estate seems to have dialed back the use of oak, and at their finest, the wines offer lovely balance. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Planeta delivers a very likeable Merlot that showcases not only the purity of the variety, but the warmth and sunshine of Sicily. There are beautiful notes of plump cherry, succulent blackberry and exotic spice. The wine is perfectly integrated in terms of tannins and persistency.——M.L.(2/1/2009)—— 90