The 2004 Scuro Rosso is a prototypical Friulian red, and I mean that in the very best of ways. Dark berries, underbrush, tobacco, wild herbs and toasted oak are all intricately layered in this very pretty medium-bodied wine. With time in the glass, the bouquet becomes noticeably more expressive and the wine gains weight in a display of pure elegance. Though understated in style, the wine possesses outstanding length and fine balance. This is a gorgeous effort from Scubla. The Scuro Rosso is 80% Merlot and 20% Refosco aged in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Once again I was impressed with the wines I tasted from Roberto Scubla, a small producer located in the Colli Orientali district of Friuli.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907