The 2017 SP68 is a terrific rendition of this special wine. This was not an easy growing season, but Arianna Occhipinti has harnessed the scorching heat to produce an elegantly open and accessible wine. The wine offers immediate tones of black fruit, dried cherry, black licorice and tar. Those aromas are focused, bright and united. This wine evidently does well in warm vintages like this and 2015. Bold sweet cherry appears on the close.

The Arianna Occhipinti 2015 SP 68 represents a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato. Like Il Frappato, I am similarly impressed by this wine. It shows a solid approach and good foundations that put it into a class of its own among natural wines. Wild berry and cassis aromas are presented but you also get subtle tones of anise seed and dark cola. Dusty and elegant mineral notes also appear. In its essence, this wine is very elegant and feminine.

The 2014 SP 68 is an IGT blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d'Avola that bares the hallmark signature of Sicily's dynamic Arianna Occhipinti. She follows a natural winemaking philosophy and although the wines are not technically perfect -- especially to a professional palate like mine -- they offer tons of personality and charm. I am a huge fan of Arianna's work, and her sheer determination to make the wine she wants in the distinct style she has envisioned is inspirational. The wine is slightly awkward with soda, dark cherry, moist chewing tobacco and a subtle touch of effervescence. Background tones of spice and leather give the wine enduring persistence.