The 2009 SYRAH, one of Recanati’s “diamond label” brand wines, is soft and laid back, a little lacking in concentration with a modest finish, but given its price point, it still has something to offer to bargain hunters as a very pleasant, if likely to be short lived, wine. With a little bit of air, it does show some sunny, French-style Syrah typicity, and while there is not a lot of tannin here, some does pop out. Given its relative lack of mid-palate concentration and modest structure, plan on drinking this fairly young, when I think it will be at its best, as it is likely at peak now and might decline as time goes on. This would be my pick of the Diamond Label reds reviewed this issue. Drink now-2012. The Recanati ‘08s (some of which have been previously reviewed) will not be imported into the USA, the importer advises, in that it is a Shmitta year (see the short article at connected with this issue). Recanati’s interesting wines tend to start with the Reserves. The Diamond Label series is well priced and pleasant enough, but limited in structure and concentration. In fairness, there is a limit to what you can ask of wines in that price range, but assume that brand level is for immediate consumption and uncomplicated drinking. The name comes from the Diamond icon on the label, pointing at the Recanati name.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

Used espresso grounds and soft nutmeg aromas mingle with sweet red berry and plum fruit notes. The mouth is full and creamy with dusty tannins and a juicy red fruit core. Straightforward but enjoyable and easy to drink. ——L.B.(4/1/2011)—— 86