The 2017 Nero d'Avola Passo Delle Mule Suor Marchesa is very ripe and indicative of this hot vintage. The bouquet opens to notes of black fruit, olive, caper and scorched earth. Those are the natural traits of Nero d'Avola, and they are all well played here. In addition to all that varietal purity, the wine definitely does show the warmth, softness and sweetness of the vintage. Some 150,000 bottles were released.

Bright and expressive, the 2016 Nero d'Avola Passo Delle Mule Suor Marchesa paints a very nice portrait of this widely planted Sicilian native grape. You get characteristic aromas of candied cherry, licorice, toasted pistachio nut, black olive and scorched earth. All those authentic and generous aromas are so specific to this grape and the beautiful island, with its winds and relentless sunshine, that shaped this wine. The house style employed here highlights the richness of the fruit. You get great value here. Some 150,000 bottles were made.

The 2014 Nero d'Avola Passo Delle Mule Suor Marchesa is a terrific wine from a great vintage. This is the best edition of this particular Nero d'Avola that I have tasted. The fruit is seamless and defined by cherry, wild berry and some moist tobacco. The wine exhibits solid backbone with crisp focus and tannins that are velvety but firm. Licorice, balsam herb and rosemary tones add length to the finish.

The 2013 Nero d'Avola Passo delle Mule Suor Marchesa is very true to the varietal. Nero d'Avola in its purest form shows layers of olive, caper and wild dill at the back of blackberry and dried cherry. Those are the aromas present in this nicely executed wine. It offers a dark garnet color and medium textural richness and consistency.