The 2007 Sagana (Nero d’Avola) bursts onto the palate with ripe, intensely perfumed dark red fruit, spices, new leather and French oak. With time in the glass, the classic inner perfume of Nero d’Avola emerges, adding lovely complexity and nuance that accompanies the soft, generous finish. This remains a soft, fruit-driven style of Nero d’Avola best suited to near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. Cusumano makes a wide range of wines, but the estate seems to do best with their reds. Importer: Vin Divino, Ltd., Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

Cusumano’s Sagana brings the focus to the quality of the fruit. The wine shows red berry, spice and a unique toasted note that resembles almond or pistachio. ——M.L.(4/1/2012)—— 90