The 2009 Alto Adige Arzio is a beautiful blend of Merlot and Cabernet that is loaded tight with dark fruit and sweet spice. It is almost too much of a good thing and the aromas come off as heavy and bulky as the wine warms in the glass. The tannins are firm and slightly bitter. The wine might just need more time to unwind in the bottle.

This Alto Adige Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend is a powerful but elegant wine with decisive notes of fudge, chocolate dipped cherries and just the right level of toast. It opens beautifully with time and delivers polished, chewy tannins, long persistency and menthol notes on the close. ——M.L.(5/1/2007)—— 91