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A layered and very intense white with sliced lemon and green apple. Some bay leaf and lemon grass undertones. Full body, tight and fruity with a lively undertone of acidity. Drink now and enjoy. Dynamic white.

A layered and very intense white with sliced lemon and green apple. Some bay leaf and lemon grass undertones. Full body, tight and fruity with a lively undertone of acidity. Drink now and enjoy. Dynamic white.

Unique aromas and flavors of unripe lemon and lemon grass that follow through to a full body, lots of fruit and a fresh, tangy finish. Bright acidity. Drink now.

Bright dark golden-yellow with orange tinges. Enticing aromas of very ripe tangerine jelly, orange oil, white flowers, raisins, figs, marzapan and honey. Rich, dense and suave, with a creamy almost unctuous mouthfeel and flavors that are very similar to the aromas. Closes long and extremely dense, with repeating caramel apple, honey and peach flavors. One of the richest, creamiest Ben Ryés in memory, but a touch more acidity might have provided better lift and in that case I would have scored this even higher. Still, this is an absolute knockout, and you’ll never guess it has 14.5% alcohol.

Inky-black. Cocoa, ripe plum and balsamic oils are coupled with smoky spices on the nose and in the mouth. Rich, ripe and suave on the long finish. I find this to be one of the most improved wines from Donnafugata; what used to often be harsh and gritty, is now smooth and suave. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola and Syrah. (14% alcohol).

Luminous dark ruby. Flinty small dark berries, licorice and minerals on the nose and in the mouth. Clean and fresh, with a steely spine; finishes long, clean and vibrant, with a mineral bent. I like this.

Golden-tinged yellow. Bright raisin, orange flower and sweet spices on the nose. Then clean and fresh, with fresh citrus and floral flavors that are dense yet light on its feet; this tastes almost as if a little Moscato Bianco had made its way in here. Lovely freshness and juiciness on the long finish. (12.5% alcohol)

Pale straw. Easygoing and fruity with white peach, pear and yellow apple aromas and flavors; a lovely wine. The finish is long and bright. Juicy fun wine and only 12.5% alcohol.

Pantelleria, an island off the coast of Sicily that is closer to Africa than Rome, has the potential to produce wonderfully sweet wines.  Donnafugata, one of Sicily’s top producers, consistently fulfills that potential with their Ben Rye, a wine made from the Muscat of Alessandria grape.   It delivers an intriguing combination of honey-like sweetness, without being cloying, balanced by a hint of apricot skin-like bitterness.   Serve it with cheese, especially pungent ones, fresh fruit or as dessert. I advise against serving it with sweet desserts because the two will fight.  Sold in a 375-ml (half-bottle), this serves six easily.

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