The 2011 Tané is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah that has been aged in oak. The results are exceedingly soft and supple. This Sicilian red shows an impressive level of aromatic intensity and focus. The bouquet is redolent of dark cherry, pressed blackberry, cured meat, black peppercorn and that very Sicilian caper-like aroma that is characteristic of Nero d'Avola. These two red grapes almost always make excellent blending partners and Valle dell'Acate's Tané is proof. The mouthfeel is rich and long lasting.

The 2006 Tane is a blend of 85% Nero d'Avola and 15% Syrah. The Syrah sees a brief 'ripasso' over the skins and juice of the Nero d'Avola, a technique borrowed from Veneto. The wine is then aged in new oak for 12 months. This is a big departure from the other wines in the lineup, and unfortunately not in the right direction. It is hard to understand why the estate goes to such an effort to produce a wine like this when they clearly have first-class fruit that has the character to speak quite eloquently with far less makeup. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is a superb set of wines from Valle dell'Acate. Not only are the wines delicious, the best bottles deliver incredible value as well. The estate uses only their best hillside plots for the Valle dell'Acate label, while the vineyards in the plains are used for the entry-level Case Ibidini range.Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

The 2005 Tane is 85% Nero d-Avola and 15% Syrah, with the Syrah seeing a ripasso over the skins of the Nero d-Avola. Super-ripe dark fruit, licorice, spices and French oak emerge from this plump, full-bodied offering. The Tane is the most intense of the wines from Valle dell-Acate. The 100% new French oak seems a bit much for this bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. These new releases from Valle dell-Acate are impressive. Best of all, most of these wines can be had for less than $25 a bottle.Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

Tane is a hearty and memorable 80-20 blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah from a gorgeous estate in southern Sicily run by the lively vintner Gaetana Jacono. Aromas include ripe berry, cola, spice and crushed clove. The wine is rich and dense with chewy tannins and mouth-watering succulence: Pair it with lamb or barbecue spare ribs.——M.L.(2/1/2009)—— 90