Dark ruby-red. Clean, precise aromas and flavors of dark cherry, minerals and tar, plus a lively note of violet; strikes me as much darker than in the past. Suave but youthfully chewy, with a dense mouthfeel and a brooding quality on the long back end; this will likely improve with another year in the cellar. Finishes very long and spicy.

Juicy and savory, this has aromas evoking black-skinned berry, crushed mint, carob and a hint of Mediterranean brush. On the linear, taut palate, dusty tannins accompany juicy blackberry, blueberry and almond. Drink through 2023.

The 2018 Sicilia Perricone Core offers a rather mild interpretation of a grape that can deliver a lot more power and darkness in other vintages. With a lot of rain toward the end of the growing season, this vintage is a little faded and subdued in comparison. You get dark fruit, black cherry and some earthy notes on the close. I would suggest drinking this wine within the next 18 months.