Fattoria Petrolo Toscana Galatrona, 2004:

Most Americans think of Merlot as a domestic varietal, the best coming from California.  But if you broaden your horizons, you’ll discover outstanding Merlot or Merlot blends from countries such as France and Italy.  Over the years,  I have not been a big Merlot drinker so I thought that it would fun to open up a bottle of the ’04 Petrolo Galatrona to pair with a dry spiced fillet mignon.  I caught on to this outstanding Italian Merlot producer some years ago and it’s in its drinking window.  I have to admit that this wine made a huge impression on me, not for its power, but for its incredible balance of dark, crushed berries, milk chocolate and gentle, almost subtle tannins.  The finish was ultra long, refined and silky smooth.  But what made the experience so memorable was how it seemed to melt into the lean, soft texture of the beef.  It was hard to discern where one began and the other ended.  For me, that’s the definition of a top wine.  You won’t find this in Tucson but if looking for a unique Merlot experience, search it out online.  It should run you ~$100.  By the way, the ’06 and ’07 are every bit as good.  The ’04 should have another 3-5 years ahead of it.