A blend of 85% old-vine Carignano and 15% Syrah, the 2012 Shardana is a well-made wine that was born as a vinous joint venture between Cantina Santadi and its importer Empson USA. It shows a dark and richly saturated appearance, and the wine opens to penetrating aromas of black fruit, spice, tar, licorice and savory tobacco. Perhaps the bouquet in this warm vintage is not as exceedingly sharp or focused as previous editions. The finish is structured, concentrated and powerful. Some 20,000 bottles were made.