The 2009 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Pithos offers up leather, spices and dried cherries. It is a slightly forward wine that appears to be best drunk sooner rather than later, as elements of fragility appear on the finish. The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Pithos was aged in amphorae. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is quite possibly the finest set of wines I have ever tasted from COS. Readers owe it to themselves to check out these ambitious wines, many of which also deliver phenomenal value.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The estate’s 2007 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Pithos is made in a richer style than the straight Cerasuolo. Sweet candied cherries, herbs and flowers emerge from this plump, juicy Cerasuolo. The wine’s inner sweetness balances notes of the salinity on the round, enveloping finish. Pithos is 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato vinified in terra cotta. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. This is a fabulous set of new releases from COS, one of Sicily’s leading producers.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799