The 2007 Offida Rosso Ludi, the estate's top red, is Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that spent two years in new oak. Intense and powerful, the Ludi impresses for its balance and sheer personality. Dark fruit, earthiness, wild herbs, tobacco, leather and licorice are some of the aromas and flavors that take shape in the glass as the wine builds to its powerful finish. As good as the Ludi is, my feeling is it could be even better with less of conscious effort to be an attention-grabber. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Reds are the highlights among this year's new releases from Velenosi. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799