WTN: 2014 Occhipinti SP68 I.G.T., Italy

Nero d'Avola and Frappato grapes. Labeled as 13% abv. Louis/Dressner Selection. I didn't look at the year until I had already uncorked the bottle--it may be early to open this one. It had been refrigerated for a few hours so the nose was muted at first. Dark purple color; opaque. The first sip is a surprise--it delivers a spicy and tingly sensation. On the palate some buzzy dark berry notes and herbal touches come through with an acidic slant. It strikes me as an uncomplicated, fun wine with popular appeal. Settled into a very pleasant drink on the second and third evening losing some volatility from the first evening. (Part of note was posted on CellarTracker.)

Had something similar on NYE, Jenise.

(They also had the Occhipinti, which I love, but I opted for this one as I hadn't had it.)

Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittorio(60% Nero d'Avola, 40% Frappato), Sicily. About $21+- retail. On the light side, but oozing fresh-crushed red berry and blueberry flavors. Curiously enough, it was merely okay as a 'sipping wine', but exploded, absolutely exploded, with aromas and flavors and textural shifts when consumed with foods. One of the most likably adaptable and accommodating and flexibly friendly wines I've had of late.

JC is for Jane, not Jenise. I forgot to include Sicily in the appellation but the Occhipinti is, of course, from Sicily.

Abject apologies. I certainly know my Janes from my Jenises. Especially in this forum.