The 2005 Solinero (Syrah) bursts from the glass with heady dark fruit, truffles, scorched earth, licorice and tar, all of which come together on a rich, sumptuous frame. The slightly late harvest style is felt in the wine's weight, while 12 months in French oak have been absorbed beautifully. This is an impressive, full-throttle red from Rapitala. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. These two reds are the finest wines among the current set of releases from Rapitala, one of Sicily's largest producers. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

The estate’s 2004 Solinero is a French oak-aged Syrah that reveals tons of character in its scorched earth, plums, spices, mint, grilled herbs and minerals. This sumptuous, full-bodied offering, should continue to drink well over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

The 2003 Solinero presents the powerful, earthy side of Syrah. Notes of black pepper, spices, star anise, mint and sweet toasted oak emerge, adding further complexity to the wine’s sweet, dark fruit. This deep, powerful, intense Syrah offers outstanding length and a lot of detail for a wine of this size. Solinera is made from late-harvested fruit and aged in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. Rapitala makes a wide range of wines, the best of which are undoubtedly the reds. Readers will find something for every budget, including a number of solid, value-priced wines that offer incredible quality for the money.Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700