2007 Castello delle Regine Merlot Umbria

(90 points) Here's a dark, smoky and evolved Merlot from Central Italy. Castello delle Regine's 2007 Merlot opens to a dark, savory appearance and a velvety texture. It ages in oak for up to 14 months. The estate releases this wine a good number of years after the harvest and this is cause for mixed blessings. The wine is evolved, but dangerously so, especially in this vintage. The warm 2007 edition may not enjoy the same longevity. On the bright side, it tastes great now with rich intensity and a sophisticated style. Fruit is selected from 60-year-old vines using a clone that was brought here over 200 years ago. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate