This estate decided not to make Brunello in 2014, but they did forge forward with production of the early-ripening Merlot grape. The 2014 Sant'Antimo Merlot Mantus (with 5,000 bottles made) has a touch of greenness on the close that recalls the cooler conditions of the growing season. However, the bouquet exhibits more ripeness with dark cherry and black current. There is some distant wild sage or rosemary that pops up over the mid-weight finish.

Mantus, a 100% Merlot from the Montalcino area of Tuscany, shows territory-driven aromas of mineral and white stone backed by plush fruit and loads of cherry. It’s a fine, elegant wine without that extra ripeness or jamminess you sometimes see with warm climate Merlot.——M.L.(10/1/2011)—— 90

This Montalcino-based Merlot has a lot going on but is just a tad too raw and ripe to break into the 90-points range. On the nose, it offers a melange of strawberry, blueberry, almond, balsam notes and mint. The tannins are silky and smooth.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 88