You can't beat this value. Tasted from tank, the 2014 Etna Rosso Barbazzale is shaping up to be a spectacular value wine from Etna. The 2014 vintage is the best in recent memory and the quality of fruit shines through with confidence and splendor. It presents juicy, fruit-forward intensity with wild berry, cassis and grilled herb. The blend is 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Cappuccio and the wine sees just two months in neutral oak. The color is amazing: The wine shows a dark garnet appearance with purple highlights.

The 2013 Etna Rosato Barbazzale is a member of the exciting new group of Etna roses just coming on the market now. This new product opens to a bright pink color with raspberry highlights. The bouquet delivers small forest fruit and loads of chiseled mineral aromas. The mouthfeel is sharp, tonic and compact. Drink 2014-2015. The Cambria family is one of the leading forces on Etna and one of the first to experiment with international grapes in these unique, volcanic soils. However, the company philosophy has shifted in recent years in order to shine the spotlight on Etna indigenous grapes. In fact, the samples submitted this year all have tight ties to Etna wine tradition. Importer: Villa Italia, www.villaitaliawines.com

The Cambria family’s Barbazzale (mostly Nerello Mascalese) is a youthful wine that pays homage to this indigenous grape. You’ll get ripe, chewy tones of black fruit, plums and prunes with a smooth, velvety texture. This is a bold, modern expression. ——M.L.(12/1/2009)—— 87