The 2007 Merlot bursts from the glass with generous dark fruit, grilled herbs, tobacco and leather. The herbal overtones are a clear sign this is a Merlot from the north. Nevertheless, the 2007 has plenty of fruit. This big, tasty Merlot is best enjoyed in its exuberant youth. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Sant’Elena is an interesting property. The estate is located in Gradisca, a town that historically has not been known for the quality of its vineyards. Still, in recent years, Sant’Elena has produced a number of terrific wines under the leadership of proprietor Dominic Nocerino, best known as the owner of Vinifera Imports. There are still some kinks that need to be worked out, and not all of the wines I tasted merited inclusion for this report, but the best wines are well worth seeking out.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2006 Merlot (magnum) is an attractive, mid-weight wine with good definition in its floral, perfumed fruit. A rather feminine, easygoing wine, it is best suited to near-term enjoyment. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. These are the most impressive wines across the board I have tasted from Sant’Elena.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

I was very impressed with the 2004 Merlot, a wine that offers incredible quality for a Northern Italian red at this price. This full-bodied wine flows with gorgeous dark red cherries, earthiness, minerals and sweet herbs, showing tons of flavor and style. Sant’Elena gives this entry-level Merlot 18 months in neutral large oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Importer Dominic Nocerino is making interesting wines at his Sant’Elena estate in Friuli. These are the most consistent wines I have yet tasted from this property.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The straightforward, dark ruby-colored 1999 Merlot offers a herbaceous, mocha, and berry-scented perfume, medium body, and pleasant but internationally-styled flavors. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907