The 2007 estate's Burdese (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) is the darkest and most structured of these 2007s. Grilled herbs, plums, cassis, mint and graphite are just some of the nuances that flow from this pretty red. Another year or so in bottle should help smooth the tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is a solid set of wines from Planeta, one of Sicily's better-known estates. As good as the best of these wines can be, they are also very safe. It would be nice to see Planeta take some more chances and make wines with a little more ambition. The raw materials certainly seem to be present to make that happen. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

This is an inky black blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc that shows intense aromas of black fruit, tobacco, graphite mineral, tobacco and leather. The wine is full and generous in the mouth with soft, velvety tannins. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 91