2016 Bonavita Faro (WAS $46.99)

"Deep red. Utterly pure and drop-dead gorgeous on the nose, with floral and mineral-tinged aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry, rose and violet, complicated by notes of blood orange and subtle baking spices. A restrained, beautiful wine, with freshness and cut to the long, penetrating, juicy, clean, mineral-laced finish. Best Faro ever from Bonavita. Drink dates 2019 - 2025." Review Date: August 2019

In the past, this wine was registered as Faro Superiore, but it is identified just by the Faro appellation today. The Bonavita 2016 Faro represents a blend of the three grapes (Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nocera) that make up this appellation on the northern tip of Sicily that faces mainland Calabria. This is a compact, mid-weight wine that opens to a very distinctive bouquet that is characterized by somewhat raw and edgy aromas of cassis, sour cherry, spice, tar, cola and balsam herb. The wine ends with a touch of astringent freshness that would make it a good pairing partner to a cheesy dish like pasta alla Norma. This wine might not appeal to everyone, but it is extremely interesting and indigenous within the context of Sicilian wine. Some 9,000 bottles were made. Review Date: October 2019