COS is a nod to the three friends who founded the winery, Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti and Cirino Strano. This beautiful Nero d’Avola opens with bright berry aromas, toasted pistachio nut and bright accents of chopped herbs. ——M.L.(4/1/2012)—— 91

The 2001 Nero d'Avola Syre shows the darker, earthier side of Nero d'Avola. Tar, smoke, and black cherries are some of the notes that emerge from this rich, concentrated red. The Syre impresses for its dazzling purity and sheer personality. A blast of tar and leather punctuates the finish. At ten years of age, the 2001 Syre is just hitting its stride. It is great to see a winery releasing an important selection with this much bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. This is quite possibly the finest set of wines I have ever tasted from COS. Readers owe it to themselves to check out these ambitious wines, many of which also deliver phenomenal value.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799