Premi

“($40) Golden yellow with a bright orange tinge. Explosive, highly perfumed aromas of ripe apricot, peach, citrus fruits, cinnamon and pepper. Pure and clean, with impressive depth to the ripe citrus and peach flavors; an undercurrent of tropical fruits contributes volume and flesh. The concentrated, very long finish throws off notes of lavender and acacia honey. Perhaps the best-ever Ben Rye, amazingly intense yet elegant and impeccably balanced.. Depending on the vintage, it’s made up of grapes from 3 to 11 vineyards located in different sub-zones on the island of Pantelleria, one of my favorite wine spots and a uniquely beautiful region.” Ian D’Agata

“The folks at Donnafugata, one of Sicily’s most dynamic wineries, have inaugurated a new winery on the volcanic island of Pantelleria fully dedicated to the production of their precious Ben Ryé passito. The amber-colored wine is vibrant, brilliant and its purity of aromas is outstanding. Dried figs, apricot, honey, almond and fragrant herbs are delivered in thick, generous layers. Tingly acidity cleans the palate and powers a long, delectable finish. Made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes, this wine is the best of its kind and can be paired with sugary treats or, better yet, with Stilton blue cheese or gorgonzola.” Monica Larner

Lots of new changes characterize this vintage. Most importantly, Donnafugata inaugurated a new winery in the Khamma area of Pantelleria. The family’s vineyard holdings had blossomed to 11 different vineyard sites, allowing for micro vinifications and more control on the wine’s style and quality. With the 2006 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé, the Punta Karace, Arco dell’Elefante and Martingana vineyards start to emerge as the top growing sites. This year also saw steep diurnal temperature shifts that contribute to the wine’s complexity and acidity. The 2006 vintage also starts to feel young (compared to the previous wines in this vertical) and promises a long drinking window. The wine is fleshed out and generous.

“Sattes, undurchdringliches Rubin-Violett. Sehr dichte Nase, nach Brombeerkonfitüre, etwas Tinte, Zwetschken, nuancenreich. Am Gaumen sehr kompakt in Ansatz und Verlauf, zeigt viel präsentes, griffiges Tannin, herzhaft, baut sich Schicht um Schicht auf, im Finale langer Nachhall, wirkt noch sehr jung. Bezug: Kastner, Wien; Wein & Co; GES Sorrentino, Delmenhorst; € 42.” Othmar Kiem

“Magistrale la versione ’06 del Mille e una Notte, che conquista autorevolmente i Tre Bicchieri. Nero d’Avola dai profumi intriganti, ben integrati a complesse note balsamiche e speziate, e ad una suggestione marina, sapida, che torna anche in bocca, dove il frutto è sostenuto da fresca acidità e tannini elegantissimi.”

“One of the best wines made on the beautiful island of Sicily, Donnafugata’s Mille e Una Notte exhibits gorgeous smoothness in the mouth and exceedingly rich aromas of black currants, chocolate, spice and tobacco. Under all that are notes of toasted almond and pistachio that are characteristic of the Nero d’Avola grape. Imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners. ” Monica Larner

“The 2006 Mille e Una Notte boasts incredible concentration and richness in its super-ripe blueberries, blackberry jam, graphite, minerals, cassis and licorice. This is decidedly more voluptuous and opulent than the Tancredi, and the richness of the fruit helps to balance the tannins to a greater extent. Smoke, tar and new leather add complexity to the round, creamy finish. The exotic 2006 Mille e Una Notte is a terrific effort from Donnafugata. 2006 Mille e Una Notte is predominantly Nero d’Avola. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026. This is a beautiful set of wines from Donnafugata, one of Sicily’s leading producers. Drink 2012 – 2026; Cost: $80. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700.” – Antonio Galloni

“The estate’s 2006 Tancredi (Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon) is powerful and tightly wound at this stage. With some coaxing, dark morello cherries emerge, followed by sweet scents of tobacco, dried roses, sage, spices and French oak. Firm tannins build on the powerful finish. Readers will need to be especially patient here, but all of the elements seem to be in place for this to develop nicely over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Cost: $40. This is a beautiful set of wines from Donnafugata, one of Sicily’s leading producers. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700” – Antonio Galloni

“Tancredi is always a beautiful wine and this year’s expression (a 70-30 blend of Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon) offers great aromatic intensity with soft tones of cherry, vanilla and exotic spice. It closes with good structure and polished tannins. Imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners.” Monica Larner

“Chiarandà is a sophisticated and slightly toasty blend of Ansonica and Chardonnay with aromas of ripe peach, pear, Golden Delicious apple, honey and almond butter. It has a soft, creamy consistency and lingering tones of spice and caramel. Pair it with shellfish or risotto with prawns.” Monica Larner