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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)

Sattes, tiefdunkles Rubin. Intensive und tiefgründige Nase, viel reife, fleischige Beerenfrucht, reife Zwetschge, Ribiseln und Brombeeren, sehr einladend. Zeigt sich am Gaumen saftig und dicht zugleich, viel frische Frucht, gepaart mit Noten nach Gewürznelken und Kardamom, öffnet sich dann mit dichtmaschigem, präsentem Tannin, langer Nachhall.

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.

Editor’s Choice – “A fresh, super sweetie. Wonderful aromas of dried pineapple, caramel and butterscotch. Full-bodied and zesty, with loads of sweet fruit and a lively, flavorful aftertaste.” James Suckling

Here comes the good stuff. The 2001 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé is a knockout wine that represents the pinnacle of quality in a passito dessert wine. This is a wine of profound beauty and soaring aspiration. In my mind, the wine is bigger than the tiny Mediterranean island of its birthplace. This outstanding vintage makes a lasting statement on the potential of air-dried Zibibbo. It embodies so much beauty and complexity starting with its brilliant amber hue and its delicate complexity. The bouquet shows peach cobbler, honey-roasted almond, candied orange zest and Marsala-like caramel. The wine is at a perfect moment in its drinking window and could pair with foie gras or other gastronomic delicacies. Soapy floral tones appear at the back as do dusty mineral notes. This wine really has it all, including crisp acidity that is perfectly matched to the wine’s supple and creamy texture. This is a Sicilian Sauternes.

“A glowing gold in color, its nose of apricots, lavender, raisins and molasses is followed by an equally impressive palate, viscous, admirably sweet but never cloying, balanced and quite focused.” Daniel Thomases