The 2008 Montenero is gorgeous in this vintage. Juicy dark berries, flowers and mint are some of the many nuances that emerge over time. The 2008 is an impeccable, polished wine endowed with gorgeous textural finesse and lovely overall balance. Floral notes reapper on the finish, adding lift and freshness. Montenero is 60% Nero d’Avola, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, a blend that works beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2006 Montenero, a Nero d’Avola-based blend, is an interesting wine. Technically speaking it is beautiful, with well-delineated aromatics, silky tannins and an expressive core of ripe red fruit. The oak is beautifully integrated and the finish is impeccable. At the same time, it is a wine that could have been made anywhere. Still, it is undeniably a terrific effort, even if I can’t help wishing for a more truly distinctive showing. The potential here is notable. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Nero d’Avola, Cabernet and Merlot are blended to produce a bold, oak-driven wine with smoky tones of campfire and coal. There are blackberries, prunes and plums in there as well and the wine has a chewy, succulent feel.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 88

Sweet spice on the nose. Juicy, rich, full berry fruit palate with grippy tannins. Needs time.