The 2018 Syrah La Monaca is an inky purple color in the glass. It offers a dark and seductive bouquet that mixes blackberries and plum sauce with balsamic spice, brown sugar and hints of peppery herbs. Its textures are silky-smooth, casting ripe black fruits over a medium-bodied frame. The density and richness here tempt the imagination as fine tannins and minerals saturate under an air of violet florals. This finishes incredibly long, to notes of salted licorice and currants. The La Monaca is already highly enjoyable for its concentration and sheer potential, but it will blossom after a few years of cellaring. These vines were planted in 2011 in a mix of sand, clay and limestone at the Sallier de La Tour estate in the northwest section of the island. Considering how well the 2018 is showing, I can only imagine what more vine age will bring.

The 2019 Syrah La Monaca is dark and intense, with crushed black and hints of blue berries complemented by balsamic spices and hints of cocoa, yet it gains lift through a wave of mentholated herbs. This is silky and refined with medium-bodied weight, casting mineral-tinged black fruits and nuances of mocha and licorice across a core of brisk acidity that does a fantastic job of maintaining balance. The 2019 La Monaca finishes long and potent with sweet tannins that frame the expression well, as violet-tinged inner florals slowly fade. Another year or two of cellaring is recommended to help tame this sexy Sicilian Syrah.

This has aromas of olives, black fruit, cracked pepper and dried herbs. Meaty and savory, with firm, chewy tannins. Compact and medium-to full-bodied, with excellent concentration. Sustainable. Better after 2023.

The 2021 Inzolia is sweetly scented but also finessed and floral, with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and spice that gives way to ripe pear and hints of cardamom. This rushes the palate with soft textures, yet quickly takes on a reverberation of spicy green citrus, as nuances of tropical melon form toward the close. A salty flourish defines the finale, as the 2021 tapers off wickedly fresh and squeaky-clean, while leaving the mouth watering for more.

A firm and lightly chewy nero d'avola with earth and spice and some mushroom undertones. Medium body, solid tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sustainable. Drink now.

Sliced apples, lemons, wild herbs and some cream on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with an oily texture. Very fresh. Drink now.

The 2021 Syrah is youthfully restrained, slowly opening with coaxing to reveal peppery herbs, florals, dried black cherries and camphor. It's surprisingly juicy and zesty on the palate. Vibrant acidity propels its crisp wild berry fruits as balsam herbs and hints of sour citrus add further contrast throughout. This tapers off with tension and structure, yet its tannins are sweet and rounded. Licorice hints and a cranberry concentration slowly fade. The 2021 possesses a more immediate feel than previous vintages yet also has the balance for medium-term cellaring.

Aromas of French oak, coconut and blue flower lead the nose along with a whiff of eucalyptus. The densely concentrated palate also has a weightless quality, offering ripe black plum, blackberry jam and licorice alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins.