The 2006 Majora combines Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot, all from densely planted vineyards in Pachino. The varieties are vinified separately and then undergo malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak. The 2006 Majora is a deep, dark wine endowed with notable concentration in its blueberry and blackberry jam, leather, spices and licorice. Made in an opulent, full-throttle style, the Majora impresses for its depth and intensity. This is the most extroverted, full-throttle and internationally-styled of the Benanti wines. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Lamoremio that is already a touch forward and probably not built for the long haul. Still, it should drink beautifully for at least a few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Benanti is a reference-point producer for beautiful wines from the Etna and Pachino, two of Sicily’s most privileged spots. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with any of these new releases. Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524

Benanti’s 2005 Majora is another fascinating, bold red from the slopes of the Etna. A blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot, the wine offers up sensations of earthiness, black cherries, spices and scorched earth. The firm, taut tannins frame the dark fruit beautifully, adding a gorgeous sense of balance and proportion to this dark, brooding beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. I can’t think of too many properties in Sicily, or Italy, for that matter, that turn out such a large number of outstanding wines. The family-run Benanti winery is located on the slopes of Mount Etna. These volcanic soils are the source for most of the grapes, although some of the Nero d’Avola comes from Pachino while the Zibibbo is grown on the island of Pantelleria. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these unique wines. Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524

This gorgeous, fruit-forward blend of Nero d’Avola, Tannat, Petit Verdot and Syrah from Sicily shows ripe fruit notes of blackberry and fresh prune followed by cola, tobacco and leather. The wine embodies a bold, continental style as seen through its rich concentration and velvety density.——M.L.(7/1/2011)—— 91

The 2004 Majora possesses a deep, powerful personality imbued with the essence of black cherries, spices, cola, smoke and tar. Brooding and closed at first, the wine gradually turns more refined with air. Still, another year or two of bottle aging should help tame the wine’s big tannins. This blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot spent 18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Benanti is making some of the most compelling wines coming out of Sicily’s re-discovered Mount Etna appellation. These dramatic, old vines are grown on the slopes of the volcano and offer plenty of site-specific character. Most of the wines are made from indigenous varieties although international grapes are used in a few of the reds. I can’t add much more, except to urge readers to discover the extraordinary wines of Benanti. Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524

This gorgeous blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot (aged 18 months in oak) is delicate and elegant yet delivers power and intensity at the same time. The quality of fruit is pristine and crisp and is kept in check thanks to the wine’s spicy aromas of vanilla and clove. It finishes bright and tart with lingering notes of berry fruit and spice.——M.L.(11/1/2008)—— 92