Franchetti–Passopisciaro 2018 Contrada C Nerello Mascalese (Terre Siciliane)

When grown with care and precision, Nerello Mascalese, like Nebbiolo, can make extraordinary wines even in a wet, challenging vintage like 2018 as this radiant, rounded red demonstrates. Made by one of the denomination's stellar estates, it teases with perfumes of blue flower, rose, chamomile, baking spice and Mediterranean scrub alongside eucalyptus notes. Savory and creamy, the palate doles out crushed strawberry, black cherry, sage and star anise alongside a hint of iron. Velvety tannins provide polished support. Drink through 2028. Kerin O’Keefe