The 2007 Etna Rosso Guardiola captures a lovely balance in the intensity of its fruit and a lively sense of minerality that frames the wine. Beguiling, open aromatics lead to candied cherries, flowers and mint in this open, expressive Etna Rosso. Today the Guardiola is open, supple and totally expressive. Simply put, it is a gem. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Proprietor Marc de Grazia is one of the pioneers of the Etna. Not only was he among the first producers to recognize the value of these once-forgotten, ancient terroirs, he also was the first producer to bring attention to the specific qualities of these vineyards by bottling single-parcel Nerellos that have become reference-point wines for the Etna. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

From what may be the most beautiful vineyard on the planet with gnarled and knotted limbs of head-trained vines that emerge from blackened volcanic soils, Guardiola is an extraordinary wine. It is elegant inside and out with penetrating aromas of licorice, violets, coal, mesquite, black currants and cassis. The tannins are polished but firm and the wine promises a long aging future ahead. ——M.L.(12/1/2009)—— 95