From the faraway 2003 vintage (characterized by scorching hot temperatures), this Sicilian Merlot has done a pretty good job of maintaining its cherry and spice nuances. There are ripe fruit aromas here but the wine still has life in it: Drink up.——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 88

This older vintage of a hot-climate Merlot is almost past its prime. The wine appears old and delivers aged notes of resin, tar and asphalt with little fruit. It has a brownish hue and tastes spicy and gritty.——M.L.(2/1/2009)—— 84

If you like extra toasty notes in your Merlot, here is an excellent alternative from southern Italy: the aromas are intense and pronounced and focus mainly on blackberry, plum, roasted nuts, campfire, pencil lead, peanut and oak. Mineral notes come through on the palate and the wine has very good length.——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 90