The 2004 Radaia is an elegant, medium-bodied offering. Layers of perfumed dark fruit, tar, licorice, herbs, spices and minerals emerge from this gorgeous, focused red. The wine reveals excellent depth and persistence, even if the intensity tapers off a bit on the close. This impressive wine from Maremma is very close to reaching the 90+ point range, and I can only say that I look forward to following this very promising bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. An Acid Inc. Selection for Angels' Share Wines, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (917) 687 4848

The area in which Parrina is located, fairly flat and near the sea, might seem rather warm for Merlot, but the 2001 Raddaia is an unambiguous success with its dark ruby color, vanilla-rich plum and kirsch fruit, and its warm, swelling palate, solid, polished, and very velvety on the close. Drink: 2005-2016. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2000 Radaia is 100% Merlot from nine year old vines that was aged 30 months in oak barrels. Elegant, with excellent sweetness, medium body, and a measured, subdued style, it should be consumed over the next 7-8 years. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620