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Miglior Vino Dolce Italiano.
Basisce la concentrazione aromatica, nettissima e illibata della sua uvosità perduta. Giunge al profumo una fragranza e un’abbondanza profusiva di uva su polpa di susina che rifulge della sua ricchezza olfattiva assolutamente esplosiva. Algidità di cedro, di pistacchio di fiore. Agrume a chili. L’amaro dov’è? In nessun dove. Così il rustico e l’ammandorlato dell’ossidazione. Naturalezza, spaziosità, freschezza. Impressioni che per via della fenomenale ricchezza paiono non perdere mai la loro squisita, aromatica, vanigliata e poi congenita dolcezza. Un gran vino dolce non passito ma poderoso e possente, un’essenza di natura sommamente cremosa. Un archetipo di massima pulizia, morbidezza e fittezza dell’uva nativa.

Funkelndes, sattes Goldgelb. Verwobene Nase mit Noten nach kandierten Orangen, Feigen, Datteln, unterlegt von Noten nach Jasmin-Blüten. Am Gaumen cremig, entfaltet sich geschmeidig, feine Feigennoten, im Nachhall satt nach getrockneten Marillen und hellem Honig. Gottardi, Innsbruck;

Questo passito naturale rappresnta il solito capolavoro tecnico, culturale, umano: in bocca si esprime con progressione infinita, chiudendo con un’amabile nota di pasta di mandorla

Ripe flavors of glazed nectarine and apricot leap from the glass in this vibrant sweetie, with accents of blood orange, grated coconut, candied ginger and cardamom. Drink now through 2029.—A.N.

The excellent 2014 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé (375 ml) opens to beautiful intensity and irresistible richness. The wine is sweet and generous with candied fruit, honey, marzipan, brown sugar and apricot. This celebrated Sicilian dessert wine o?ers a luminous golden color with amber highlights. In the mouth, it exhibits soft lines and deep layers of sun-ripened fruit. Ben Ryé is a wine with a proven track record of aging 20 years or more. (Monica Larner)

Sattes, tiefes Rubin. Dichte und fleischige Nase, satt nach Holunderbeeren und dunklen Ribiseln, einladend. Am Gaumen erstaunlich saftig und frisch, zeigt viel knackige Frucht, griffiges, feines Tannin, im Finale zupackend.

Donnafugata Terre Siciliane Tancredi 2012
Offers flavors of crème de cassis, olive paste, dried mint and plumped black cherry, set in an accessible frame. Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola and Tannat. Drink now through 2026.—A.N.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Nero d’Avola, the 2012 Tancredi is one of Sicily’s most consistent red wines. It is soft and luscious with plenty of dark fruit and blackberry that is followed by black olive, caper and rosemary. There are balsam notes of cola and medicinal herb although they appear as distant accents. This edition is especially ripe and well concentrated. Tancredi is aged in oak for 14 months. (Monica Larner)

The 2013 Contessa Entellina Chiarandà is very true to the variety. This pure expression of Chardonnay delivers Sicilian tones of candied orange peel, marzipan, toasted pistachio and honeydew melon. It o?ers impressive balance between those ripe fruit aromas and candied fruit flavors. That middle ground is what gives this medium-bodied wine its versatility and charm. Only 6,000 bottles are made. (Monica Larner)

The 1998 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé represents another slight departure from the house style set by this celebrated dessert wine over the years. According to the estate’s winemaking notes, 1998 is the first of a series of long, dry and very hot vintages on the tiny wind-swept island of Pantelleria. In fact, the acidity is not as zesty or prominent compared to other editions. The wine opens to a lighter golden and amber color with a slightly leaner consistency. It’s appearance is bright with crystalline luminosity. The bouquet is very floral with almost soapy-like tones of lavender and dried rose potpourri. This vintage is highly characterized by floral aromas.