The 2004 Campoleone, the estate’s signature wine, is simply gorgeous. This blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot spent 12 months in French oak. It is a firmly structured wine with superb density on the palate, where layers of tobacco, dark cherries, earthiness, smoke, licorice and toasted oak all come to life. The tannins finish slightly dry and astringent, likely a result of an overly exuberant use of French oak. Still, this is a beautifully delineated, focused Campoleone. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (204) 294-4899

Like the previous vintage, this Sangiovese-Merlot blend boasts great intensity and purity of aromas, including chocolate fudge, espresso, red berry, cracked peppercorn and a touch of fresh dill. It has plush tannins and fantastic persistency and will win you over with its vigor and vitality.——M.L.(12/1/2007)—— 93