2005 Falesco Pesano Merlot 91 points

Merlot, Umbria, $16

Wow, this is why I love Merlot, value, style and intensity. Medium-bodied, lush fruit with chocolate, blackcherrie, leather and spice. This intensely concentrated, multi-layered Merlot is an oak bomb that finishes off with vanilla and caramel. This wine represents why Umbria makes some of the best large production wines on the market. This Best buy and top 100 Merlot should be enjoyed within 2-3 years.