Feudo Principi di Butera Sanrocco Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet can be hit-or-miss in Sicily, but this one’s a hit. The dusty cassis and field-green aromas lead to rich dark-fruit flavors with plenty of tobacco, bitter chocolate and coffee grinds. A full, plush mouthfeel with lots of oak balances the other components. This wine is approachable now but will hold well through 2010.

Aromas of herbs and earth, with hints of fruit that soon turn to berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a medium finish. A bit one-dimensional. Best after 2005.

I’ll give you a minute to get over the sticker shock… all right? Now I want you to close your eyes and imagine a wine unlike any Napa fruit bomb you’ve ever had, one that doesn’t hit you hard and then go away, but rather persistently captivates you, lingering and evolving in your mouth. A wine that gives you blackberries and cassis, but also chocolate and leather and tobacco. A wine that you’re still tasting an hour later. The Sanrocco and a hearty Italian meal mutually enhance each other, neither overpowering. Layer upon layer of flavors unfold and develop with every sip, all the way to the bottom of the glass. Trust me, an everlasting memory like that is worth the extra few bucks!