2008 Feudo Arancio, Stemmari, Sicilia Syrah:
$12
Score: 91
Mezzacorona winery in northern Italy owns a large estate (2,000+ acres) on Sicily, where they produce 10 different varietals, some Italian and some French varieties. The Syrah is exceptional, proving that the variety is perfectly suited to Sicily. Neither as jammy and alcoholic as Australian Shiraz, nor as lean and restrained as many Rhones, the Arancio Syrah has classically firm structure, moderate alcohol, and strawberry-cherry fruit with chocolate and spice accents. Excellent value.