Feudo Maccari Saia 2008

A spicy red, featuring crushed black cherry, blackberry and plum notes that carry hints of melted licorice, vanilla bean, incense and earth through to the slightly grippy finish. Drink now through 2014.

Antonio Moretti, who owns Sette Ponti and La Fornace in Tuscany, established this estate south of Syracuse in 2000, where the nero vines are between 10 and 50 years old. The aroma of this wine is beautiful, an earthy powerhouse of herbs thatrsquo;s matched by a tidal wave of flavor. Strawberry, honey, jasmine and oak combine in a superrich mouthful, relieved by a slightly green bite of tannin in the end. Serve this with a ribeye to absorb some of the oak and bring out the inherent fineness of the wine.

This has subtle aromas of blackberry, mineral and lavender. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A succulent red. All in the right place. A classy wine. Drink now.

This has a subtle yet complex nose, showing ripe black cherry aromas, with hints of oregano, sea salt and lavender. Medium- to full-bodied, with a quietly intense palate, fine tannins and a tight, medium finish. Needs to fill out a bit. Best after 2009.

Has a pretty dark in color, with intense aromas of plum sauce and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with polished, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Needs a little more bottle age to come together, but this is very serious. Delicious. Best from 2009 through 2012.

Has a pretty dark in color, with intense aromas of plum sauce and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with polished, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Needs a little more bottle age to come together, but this is very serious. Delicious. Best from 2009 through 2012.

This has a subtle yet complex nose, showing ripe black cherry aromas, with hints of oregano, sea salt and lavender. Medium- to full-bodied, with a quietly intense palate, fine tannins and a tight, medium finish. Needs to fill out a bit. Best after 2009.