A Bordeaux-inspired blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Burdese shows firmness and austerity with evolved tones of Indian spice, wet earth, tobacco, pressed flower and dried cherry. Distant tertiary aromas of old leather and cured meat are also beginning to appear. This is a brawny and likeable wine that is weighted down by a lack of clarity of fruit at this stage in its evolution. Drink 2015-2018. Diego Planeta, along with Giacomo Rallo of Donnfugata and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, is one of the three founding fathers of the “Sicilian wine renaissance” sparked 10 to 15 years ago. Cousins Francesca, Santi and Alessio Planeta hold the reigns to the estate today and have developed one of the most innovative and modern wine entities in Italy (they are among the most “l(fā)iked” wineries on Facebook). The Planeta family boasts a gifted hand in marketing and their hard work has only helped to develop the “Sicily” brand within the many foreign markets they penetrate. Enormous credit goes to them. Although Planeta’s wines are always impressive, I was less enthused by this set of new releases. The entry-level products represent excellent value, but the top tier wines (including a wine I love very much, Santa Cecilia) are not at their peak performance. Importer: Palm Bay, www.palmbay.com