I was blown away by the 2006 Syrah. This fresh, vibrant wine possesses endless layers of perfumed dark fruit, mint, minerals and sweet toasted oak. Despite its extroverted personality, the wine reveals superb clarity and detail in a rich, massive style. The tannins build mightily on the finish, suggesting a minimum of a few years of cellaring is warranted. It is impossible not to admire this wine’s exceptional pedigree. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. This is a breathtaking set of wines from proprietor Stefano Frascolla and consulting oenologist Stefano Chioccioli. Although Suvereto is one of the warmer micro-climates in Tuscany, the estate’s vineyards also contain a relatively high percentage of minerals, which allows the wines to maintain a surprising level of freshness, even in warm vintages. 2006 is quite possibly the most consistent vintage yet from top to bottom for Tua Rita. Simply put, the wines are not to be missed. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

This is a ripe and thickly extracted wine with sweet aromas of cherry liqueur, moist tobacco, cured meat and exotic spice. It’s big and bold on all levels and needs to be paired with an equally succulent food like grilled steak. You’ll get chocolate, espresso and mesquite over the wine’s rich and velvety close.——M.L.(3/1/2010)—— 94