Candace Máté and her team are among the few to bet on the Syrah grape in the relatively cooler climate of Montalcino in Tuscany. The 2012 Syrah Banditone stands out in this Sangiovese-based part of Tuscany, thanks to its wide and broad display of aromas. Syrah feels lazy and slow in terms of its aromatic delivery next to the decidedly more nervous and quick-footed Sangiovese. Dark fruit and blackberry segues to leather and smoked bacon. The wine shows long and wide characteristics in terms of mouthfeel. It wraps thickly over the palate—although there is enough acidity to tingle your tongue. A mere 900 bottles were produced.