The 2008 Colli Euganei Riserva Notte di Galileo is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet from the volcanic Euganei hills outside of Padova in northern Italy. This is a ripe and fruit-forward expression with dark berry tones followed by cherry preserves and dried prunes. The wine is on the sweet and ripe side of the spectrum and it leaves an overall impression of simplicity and straightforwardness. There is no big complexity here but the wine offers soft tannins and thick extraction. It ages in barrique for 18 months. Tertiary notes of ash and licorice are only just beginning to show. I'd recommend drinking this wine within the next three years.