Benanti’s 2005 Majora is another fascinating, bold red from the slopes of the Etna. A blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot, the wine offers up sensations of earthiness, black cherries, spices and scorched earth. The firm, taut tannins frame the dark fruit beautifully, adding a gorgeous sense of balance and proportion to this dark, brooding beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. I can’t think of too many properties in Sicily, or Italy, for that matter, that turn out such a large number of outstanding wines. The family-run Benanti winery is located on the slopes of Mount Etna. These volcanic soils are the source for most of the grapes, although some of the Nero d’Avola comes from Pachino while the Zibibbo is grown on the island of Pantelleria. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these unique wines. Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524

This gorgeous, fruit-forward blend of Nero d’Avola, Tannat, Petit Verdot and Syrah from Sicily shows ripe fruit notes of blackberry and fresh prune followed by cola, tobacco and leather. The wine embodies a bold, continental style as seen through its rich concentration and velvety density.——M.L.(7/1/2011)—— 91