A successful blend of Nero d’Avola and Shiraz, this velvety wine sees 12 months of oak aging for intense spice-driven aromas. Cedar, vanilla and toasted walnut come into play and the wine has a raw, succulent character in the mouth.——M.L.(3/1/2009)—— 87

A real crowd pleaser, this 55-45% Nero d’Avola-Shiraz blend is concentrated and redolent of toast, cherry wood and plum. Wood is the driving theme here, yet the wine follows a precise winemaking philosophy. ——M.L.(7/1/2006)—— 90