Planeta Burdese

Romazini: 3/5 Stars

Robert Parker: 89/100 Points

The 2007 estate's Burdese (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) is the darkest and most structured of these 2007s. Grilled herbs, plums, cassis, mint and graphite are just some of the nuances that flow from this pretty red. Another year or so in bottle should help smooth the tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.

This is a solid set of wines from Planeta, one of Sicily's better-known estates. As good as the best of these wines can be, they are also very safe. It would be nice to see Planeta take some more chances and make wines with a little more ambition. The raw materials certainly seem to be present to make that happen.

Stephen Tanzer: 88/100 Points

Deep ruby. Cassis, bell pepper, graphite and a hint of red fruit on the cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose. More coffee and cocoa on the palate than fruit and herb flavors, with mounting tannins coating the mouth dry on the medium-long finish. Tough going right now: I'd cellar this for a couple of years and see if the tannins have resolved. From grapes grown in the Dispensa (shallow clay-limestone soil ) and Maroccoli (dark, deep, rich organic soil) vineyards at 450 and 1,200 feet above sea level and aged 14 months in new French oak.