The 2010 Syrah Maroccoli is a dark and spice-driven wine with broad aromas of dried cherry and exotic spice. The 2010 vintage offers less vibrancy than past editions of this wine. It feels slightly closed and takes a while to open. Maroccoli shows medium length with softly supportive tannins. Drink 2014-2019. Diego Planeta, along with Giacomo Rallo of Donnfugata and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, is one of the three founding fathers of the “Sicilian wine renaissance” sparked 10 to 15 years ago. Cousins Francesca, Santi and Alessio Planeta hold the reigns to the estate today and have developed one of the most innovative and modern wine entities in Italy (they are among the most “l(fā)iked” wineries on Facebook). The Planeta family boasts a gifted hand in marketing and their hard work has only helped to develop the “Sicily” brand within the many foreign markets they penetrate. Enormous credit goes to them. Although Planeta’s wines are always impressive, I was less enthused by this set of new releases. The entry-level products represent excellent value, but the top tier wines (including a wine I love very much, Santa Cecilia) are not at their peak performance. Importer: Palm Bay, www.palmbay.com

I find much to like in the 2008 Syrah. A gorgeous wine, the 2008 is loaded with varietal nuance. Dark cherries, plums, menthol, tobacco and spices flesh out in this radiant, highly expressive wine. The 2008 ultimately impresses for its textural balance and finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

What a fabulous value wine. If you love Sicily and you love Syrah, this beauty delivers the best of both. The low price tag is unbelievable. Aromas include blackberry, bacon fat, cigar tobacco and spice. The wine is soft, smooth and velvety on the finish. ——M.L.(4/1/2012)—— 90

The 2007 Syrah is the most complete of this year's reds. Succulent dark plums, sweet herbs, flowers and minerals caress the palate through to the round, generous finish. There is a plumpness to the Syrah I find immensely appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. This is a solid set of wines from Planeta, one of Sicily's better-known estates. As good as the best of these wines can be, they are also very safe. It would be nice to see Planeta take some more chances and make wines with a little more ambition. The raw materials certainly seem to be present to make that happen. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

One of Sicily’s best expressions of Syrah, Planet’s rich and velvety wine offers elegant aromas of blackberry, cherry, smoked ham and crushed white pepper. The wine is smooth and long on the finish with loads of chocolate intensity. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 91