The 2018 Merlot Liu' is a new wine in this range that emerges from some of the newer plantings on the estate. Dark fruit, grilled herbs, menthol and licorice open up first, followed by a range of earthy, savory notes that give the wine so much character and distinctiveness. This is serious Merlot. I would give it a year or two in bottle, as the tannins are pretty imposing today. Think of it as a bridge between the Chianti Classico and the dual flagships Sammarco and d'Alceo. 2022 - 2030