The 2004 Tane is 80% Nero d’Avola and 20% Syrah made in a dark, powerful style. Scorched earth, black olives, herbs, plums, dark cherries and melted road tar are just some of the nuances that emerge from this dark, brooding wine. Despite the Tane’s hulking personality, there is also remarkable clarity and definition in the aromas and flavors, something that is quite rare in many Sicilian wines made in this style. The wine’s full-throttle intensity might not be for everyone, but I loved this bold, unique red. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Valle dell’Acate. A number of these wines are priced below or around $25 and are terrific values.Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

Good concentrated fruit and good oak. Quite sweet, ripe fruit. Nice concentration. Impressive but lacks complexity.

Lush and balanced, this 80-20 blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah offers attractive notes of chocolate fudge, espresso and spice in the foreground of berry fruit. The wine has dense structure and bitter cherry flavors that ride long on the finish.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 91