A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with indigenous grapes (mostly Cannonau), the 2009 Alghero Tanca Farrà is a deep and penetrating wine with a long list of aromatic qualifiers. The budding complexity of the wine is impressive and the nose is greeting with competing tones of dark berry, grilled herb, crushed granite, licorice and soft spice. The mouthfeel is tight and streamlined, but not thin. In fact, this wine offers a good level of heft and density on the close. It can age five years or more.

The 2007 Alghero Tanca Farra wraps across the palate with subtle red cherries, flowers, licorice, tobacco, mint and sage. In 2007, the Tanca Farra comes across as a bit understated. It is likely to offer its best drinking earlier rather than later. The blend is 50% Carignano and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. I always look forward to tasting the wines of Selle e Mosca, one of Sardinia’s most historic properties. These wines deliver terrific quality and tons of pure value. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-964

The 2006 Alghero Tanca Farra (50% Cannonau, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon) is absolutely gorgeous in this vintage. Sage, rosemary, wild flowers and dark cherries are some of the nuances that take shape in this firm, beautifully balanced Tanca Farra. Spices and minerals appear later, adding freshness and verve. Mint, pine, resin and a host of other balsamic nuances are layered into the crystalline finish. The 2006 is a centered, poised Tanca Farra that impresses for its balance and sheer sense of harmony. It is one of the very finest vintages I can remember tasting. Despite the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a distinctly Sardinian red. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2005 Alghero Tanca Farra (50% Cannonau, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon) emerges from the glass with an enticing, delicate bouquet of sweet herbs, spices and wild flowers. This is a beautiful, if somewhat understated, Tanca Farra with gorgeous delineation in its fruit and outstanding overall balance. Sweet tobacco and licorice add further dimensions of complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. Sella e Mosca is one of the oldest and best-known wineries in Sardinia. Curiously, many of the estate’s wines rely on international grapes, something that sets Sella e Mosca apart from the vast majority of wineries on the island. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642