The 2011 Burdese represents a 70/30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and the wine is dedicated to the many French influences that have shaped Sicilian viticulture over the centuries. This is a dark and impenetrable wine that is packed tight with brooding dark fruit and thick aromas of prune and plum. The wine flaunts a dense and richly extracted style. Evident aromas of tobacco, Spanish cedar, barbecue smoke and tar appear at the back.

The 2010 Burdese is a 70/30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The word "Burdese" is Sicilian dialect for the Bordeaux grapes that made their way into island viticulture over the centuries. The wine does indeed show distinctive Cabernet characteristics that are evident in its appearance and most especially on the bouquet. Dark fruit, cured tobacco and grilled herb lift from the glass. The wine is firm in terms of structure, but the tannins have been well managed to offer a soft and yielding side.

A Bordeaux-inspired blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Burdese shows firmness and austerity with evolved tones of Indian spice, wet earth, tobacco, pressed flower and dried cherry. Distant tertiary aromas of old leather and cured meat are also beginning to appear. This is a brawny and likeable wine that is weighted down by a lack of clarity of fruit at this stage in its evolution. Drink 2015-2018. 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

The 2008 Burdese is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Dark red cherries, plums, tobacco, espresso and licorice take shape in the glass. The tannins are a bit firm, but there is more than enough fruit to stand up to the wine’s textural elements. Sweet, perfumed notes laced with Cabernet Franc character develop on the finish, adding lift, perfume and finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Burdese is Sicily’s tip-of-the-hat to the great wines of Bordeaux. A blended red, the wine is elegant and firm, with dark concentration and earthy tones of leather and spice behind fresh berry and blackberry. Balance and length characterize the mouthfeel.——M.L.(4/1/2012)—— 91