The estate’s 2006 Saxa Calida is a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend that spent 16 months in French oak. It is an usually refined wine from this part of Tuscany, with plenty of varietal character in its dark fruit, grilled herbs, earthiness and minerals. The wine’s richness carries through all the way to the finish, where the big, building tannins provide an exclamation point to this exquisite wine. This is gorgeous juice! Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Podere del Paradiso was one of the most pleasant discoveries of this year’s tastings of new Tuscan releases. Importer: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 336-9880