This wine emanates from the home estate of Italy's talented oenologist, Riccardo Cotarella. A 100% Merlot aged in French oak and bottled unfiltered, the 1998 Merlot IGT exhibits an impressively saturated ruby/purple color in addition to rich blackberry/cherry notes interspersed with vanillin, tobacco, and spice. It is medium to full-bodied and dense, with great fruit purity and a layered texture. Most New World Merlots of this quality level sell for $50 or more a bottle. Production was 2,500 cases. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620