Rutini’s 2008 Merlot offers up an attractive nose of spice box, tobacco, black currant, and cassis. Dense, concentrated, and supple on the palate, this tasty effort lacks only complexity. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. All three Rutini wines are excellent values.Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; www.pasternakwine.com

The 2006 Merlot which spent 12 months in 50% new oak, is purple-colored and offers up a nose of clove, cinnamon, cedar, cassis, and black currant. On the palate pleasant cherry and plum flavors emerge leading to a pure, fruit-filled finish. This easy-going, seamless effort will deliver pleasure for another 5 years. Importer: Pasternak Wines, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110

Sweet and rooty on the nose, with hints of cola and earth. This is a solid red wine, with plum, berry and some mild astringency to the palate. Finishes a bit tart but still makes it to the quality level. Likely better with food than by itself. ——M.S.(6/1/2006)—— 85