Bollini’s bright, cool-climate Merlot opens with a rich, ruby color and fragrant aromas of cherry, blueberry and wild strawberry. The wine sees six months of light oak aging, adding moderate spice and tobacco. The price is right and the mouthfeel is tonic and tight.——M.L.(5/1/2011)—— 87

It’s light, ruby appearance promises a lean, easy Merlot for weeknight dinners, and in fact, the nose delivers blueberry, forest fruit and linear mineral tones. This is not a hugely intense wine, but crisp acidity and a lighter consistency make it a friendly companion to pasta with meat ragu or roast beef. ——M.L.(3/1/2007)—— 86