Cusumano SAGANA Tenuta San Giacomo Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2019 750ml

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Expert Review – Vintage 2019

Decanter 93 Points | This single-vineyard Nero d’Avola, from Cusumano’s Tenuta San Giacomo estate located on the limestone outcrop of Butera in southern Sicily, is a big wine. It hits 15% alcohol and is aged for 18 months in large casks, yet there is freshness and great mid-palate tension, allied to structural tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs.

Wine Advocate 92 Points| Made with Nero d’Avola from the 12-hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo, the 2019 Sicilia Sgana is very rich and concentrated with dark, inky fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, textured and very modern with a good mix of blackberry fruit and oak spice. Sgana was not made in the difficult 2018 vintage. My only concern regarding this 20,000-bottle release is the high 15% alcohol content.
Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Sagana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor blowing off to reveal black currants, tobacco and ash. It’s deeply textural, almost creamy in feel and quite savory, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that adds gravitas. A coating of fine tannins are left to linger, as this finishes with a resonance of black fruit that leaves a bitter twang. The Sgana is a serious varietal Nero d’Avola that will need a year or two of cellaring to truly show its best.

Danielle Callegari of the WIne Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Hot chili peppers burst off the nose of this Nero d’Avola, lifted by wood smoke, macerated blackberries and bitter chocolate. Spiciness carries over to the palate, with notes of black pepper and tomato-pepper jam, but also more berries and some tobacco leaf. Tannins are firm but polished.