The 2009 Camelot, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from vineyards in Trapani, emerges from the glass with layers of expressive red fruit. Mint, flowers, spices and licorice develop over time, adding complexity and depth. Here, too, the French oak is very nicely balanced. Camelot is arguably Firriato’s most famous wine. The style naturally leans very heavily towards the international side of things, yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. Once again, Firriato has done a great job across the board with virtually their entire range, no small feat at production levels within the context of Italian wine. Importer: Soilair Selection, New York, NY; tel. (646) 244-4922

The 2008 Camelot (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is the most expressive of Firriato's high-end reds. It has more than enough richness and inner sweetness to stand up to the French oak. Dark red fruit, grilled herbs, tobacco and sweet spices flow effortlessly from this textured, generous wine. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. This is another strong set of wines from Firriato. The estate first came to attention for their bold, internationally styled wines, but over the last two years I have found the wines from the Etna the most interesting. Importer: Soilair Selection, New York, NY; tel. (646) 244-4922

Camelot is a bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that shows great balance and elegant composure. It’s not overdone or jammy, despite the hot climate that shaped it. Instead, it shows focus and precision in its blackberry, cherry, oak spice and cinnamon notes. ——M.L.(4/1/2012)—— 90

The 2007 Camelot (Cabernet, Merlot) offers up dark, sensual fruit along with grilled herbs, minerals, cassis, mint and French oak that add layers of complexity. This voluptuous, full-bodied Sicilian red delivers tons of pleasure in a soft, harmonious style. Today the oak is a little prominent, but not excessively so. In another few years the wine should be firing on all cylinders. That said, it is impressive even today. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. I have to say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Firriato this year. Across the board this is a very solid line-up, which is particularly impressive considering the estate’s production is now nearly 5 million bottles per year spread across numerous properties in Sicily. Firriato is among the new entrants in the Etna, and those wines are among the highlights. Importer: Soilair Selection, New York, NY; tel. (646) 244-4922