97 Montiano - Let's not execute the "war criminal"

[jock]

I have really enjoyed the thread below on Italian Merlot. I would hate to see the classic Italian wines lose their individuality and traditional character as much as the most ardent people in that thread.

However! Last night I had the 97 Montiano. I must say that it is one of the best Merlots I have ever had. Normally I dislike straight Merlots. Almost all of them are green and very very one dimensional and way too many of them are made way too flabby and soft for the great American masses.

The 97 Montiano is another story. Very rich with a lot of depth and complexity. It has the green pepper nose that is characterstic of Merlot but it has a lot coing on.

If you like Merlot you should definitely seek it out and if, like me, you don't care for Merlot you should also give it a try. This one is on a par with a top Pomerol or St Emilion.