TN: Sicilian gold

COS 2004 Cerasuolo di Vittoria (Sicily) – Heady, dark fruit aromas richly redolent of Mediterranean herbs and slightly exotic North African spices roasting over an open fire. It’s a big, luscious wine that never crosses the line into ponderousness or stewed characteristics, and part of that is the smoky undertone of dark, almost charred minerality. Really, really good. (1/07)

de Bartoli Marsala Superiore “Oro 5 Anni” Vigna La Miccia (Sicily) – Stunning. The creamiest, most delicate saltwater taffy in a lithe, utterly seductive liquid form. It kisses and caresses, then lingers to a point of almost painful beauty. Majestic. Pure. Flawless. (1/07)