The 2008 Isola dei Nuraghi Norace has lovely focus and energy in its dark red cherries, black plums, smoke, licorice and new leather. All the elements are very nicely balanced. This medium-bodied wine has plenty of depth in the glass and more than enough structure to ensure many years of very fine drinking. A vibrant, energetic finish rounds things out beautifully. This is a terrific showing from Feudi della Medusa. Norace is a Bovale/Cannonau/Syrah blend. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Feudi della Medusa stands out for rich, textured wines that at their best are among the most interesting wines readers will come across in Sardinia. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

The 2006 Isola dei Nuraghi Norace is a deep, fleshy wine graced with the essence of raspberry jam, earthiness, licorice and leather. The wine shows good depth and persistence, but some rough edges remain, especially in the bouquet. Norace is Bovale Sardo, Cannonau and Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

The 2005 Isola dei Nuraghi Norace is totally convincing. Heady scents of smoke, tar, licorice, new leather and dark fruit emerge from this brooding red. Sweet floral notes develop in the glass, adding freshness and verve that frame the long, exceptionally pure finish. Readers who enjoy wines with tertiary complexity will want to give the Norace a few additional years in bottle, even if it is drinking absolutely beautifully today. This is a terrific effort from Feudi della Medusa. Norace is 45% Bovale Sardo, 40% Cannonau and 15% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Feudi della Medusa stands apart from most properties in Sardinia for the distinctive, powerful style of the wines. These are seriously rich, concentrated offerings that will offer their best drinking at the dinner table. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

Cannonau (50%), Syrah and Carignano make up this oak-aged blend from Sardinia. The wine exhibits ripe tones of red cherry, spice and new rubber. It’s a sharp and focused wine that imparts soft tannins and sweet spice in the mouth.——M.L.(9/1/2009)—— 90

The 2004 Isola dei Nuraghi Norace is 45% Bovale Sardo, 40% Cannonau and 15% Syrah that spent 18 months in French oak. A big, powerful red, the wine flows from the glass with layers of smoke, scorched earth, grilled herbs and cherry jam. The finish is long, sweet and pure, as notes of tar, licorice, leather and smoke make a final appearance, adding further dimensions of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Proprietors Heide and Francesco Siclari make intense, powerful wines from their 50 hectares of vineyards. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461