The 2001 Desiderio, Merlot with a bit of Cabernet in the blend, is simply the best in the history of the house, blackish in tone and with purple highlights, warm and intense in aroma with perfectly ripe black berry fruit, sandalwood, cinnamon, and vanilla, very broad and rich on the palate, sizeable, sweet, and gratifying. Drink: 2005-2020. Avignonesi’s line has steadily shrunk in recent years, as many of the individual wines have become blends and others have simply been dropped. The varietal Chardonnay and Sauvignon bottlings have become one wine, as have the Merlot and Cabernet, and the Pinot Noir has been eliminated. The line-up is still a strong one, however, and in certain categories competitive with Tuscany’s and Italy’s best. Importer: Dalla Terra Imports, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405