The Castellare di Castellina 2018 Poggio ai Merli is a pure expression of Merlot with 3,813 bottles in existence. This is a rich and succulent rendition with high notes of dried mint and graphite that hover over the bouquet with an almost suspended or lifted quality. Those pretty aromas set the stage for the dark and nicely concentrated fruit that you find directly underneath. This expression from 2018 shows some dryness on the close, but the smooth and creamy richness of the fruit successfully, and gracefully, takes over the palate. Serve it with a platter of soft pecorino wedges dipped in honey.