2002 Miani Merlot

The 2002 Merlot makes an eloquent case for a place alongside Giacomo Conterno's Barolo Riserva Monfortino as one of the finest Italian reds to emerge in this very difficult harvest. The wine is simply awesome for its sheer pedigree even if today it is a touch rough around the edges. After a few hours in the glass the wine comes together, hinting at its ultimate potential. There is tons of inner sweetness to be found, along with suggestions of roses, raspberries, roasted coffee beans and spices. In 2002 Pontoni had the courage to wait to harvest until after the rains had passed, and for his patience he was rewarded with an utterly profound, magnificent wine. The 2002 Merlot can be enjoyed today if opened several hours prior to serving, but it will continue to gain complexity in bottle. This is another marvelous vintage and one of my personal favorites. Bravo! The 2002 spent 24-26 months in 100% new French oak.