The 2000 Merlot is warm and powerful in its expression of plums, berry fruit, and chocolate, ample, deep, and concentrated in flavor, long and velvety on the development and finish. Drink: 2005-2016. Importer: Small Vineyards, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 933-6767

The blockbuster 1997 Merlot (aged in 100% new oak) is an astonishing example, but from Friuli, it is even more noteworthy. The color is a saturated dark purple. The nose offers an amazing array of jammy black cherry fruit, smoke, berries, and sweet toast. Thick and full-bodied, with a long, nuanced finish, this exuberant, youthful Merlot should be at its peak in 4-5 years, and last until 2010. Kudo's to both Miani and his consulting oenologist, Roberto Cipresso. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620