The 2008 Merlot Montiano is absolutely beautiful in this vintage. Sweet dark fruit, mocha and spices are followed by hints of smoke, tar and incense. Silky tannins frame the fruit beautifully from start to finish. This seamless, polished red is a terrific showing from Falesco. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2023. Brothers Renzo and Riccardo Cotarella make a wide range of wines at Falesco, their family-owned winery on the Umbria/Lazio border. As always, readers will find a number of great values in this lineup. The range includes three additions that have been in the works for the last few years; the Sagrantino, Syrah Tellus and Assisi Rosso, the wine I am personally the most excited about. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620