The 2008 Merlot Corvina Cormi is gorgeous in this vintage. Hints of crushed flowers and white pepper add complexity as this vibrant, focused wine shows off its class. I especially like the energy here. This is a decidedly extroverted style that works beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Zenato is one of the historic names in Valpolicella. The estate makes a wide range of wines, but truly excels with Amarone. A recent vertical tasting of Zenato’s Amarone Riserva Sergio Zenato going back to 1980 was eye-opening for many reasons, not the least of which was seeing just how well the wines age. Readers will find notes from that tasting on www.erobertparker.comA Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Cormi is a 50-50 blend of Corvina and Merlot that shows soft, jammy fruit aromas of blackberry and plum backed by chocolate and tobacco. The wine is rich and dense with firm, smooth tannins. ——M.L.(5/1/2011)—— 88