The 2007 Merlot bursts onto the palate with attractive dark fruit. This plump, perfumed Merlot shows excellent overall balance and a finessed, round finish. Floral, minty notes add lift on the close. The Merlot is best enjoyed while the fruit is fresh and vibrant. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. This is a solid set of wines from Planeta, one of Sicily's better-known estates. As good as the best of these wines can be, they are also very safe. It would be nice to see Planeta take some more chances and make wines with a little more ambition. The raw materials certainly seem to be present to make that happen. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

This full and generous Merlot (with a small percentage of Petit Verdot in the blend for extra richness) delivers beautifully elegant aromas of cherry, white mineral, spice, leather and dried tobacco. It is smooth and rich with a very fine quality of soft tannin. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 91