The 2011 Castel del Monte Il Melograno shows some of the heat of the vintage in a more elaborate and opulent style. Uva di Troia is the indigenous grape used to make this Southern Italian red and the bouquet is redolent of dark cherry, tar, licorice and toasted almond. This wine has a heavier and richer feel compared to the 2010 Vigna del Melograno released at the same time. Charred earth tones and black fruit make for a flavorful finish.

Released one year after Il Melograno, the 2010 Castel del Monte Vigna del Melograno presents clean, simple lines. This is a pure expression of Uva di Troia that reveals fresh tones of wild berry, underbrush, tar, licorice and pressed violets. This grape is capable of the most ethereal aromas found in Puglian wine. Crisp acidity and polished tannins make for medium weight on the palate.

Santa Lucia's Castel del Monte Vigna del Melograno is a consistently excellent value, as it is again in 2008. Layers of jammy dark fruit flow effortlessly from this deeply-colored, opulent red. This offers fabulous character and balance in its price range. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; tel. (630) 422-1119