BB | Ruby to pink. Delicate, floral, refined nose, with small red fruits, rose petals, sour cherries, fresh and dried herbs. Medium body, fine tannins, slightly simple red fruit, yet long, with a persistent, mineral, crushed-stones finish. Possibly too young at this stage? 92
AJ | [bottle 2] Deep, translucent black-red. Sweet, warm, soft, and elegant: bittersweet cherries, lemon-freshened. Just a touch of reduction, but not enough to constitute a blemish. Attractive and teasing, though it seems to fade just a little with time in the glass. Bright, brisk, fresh, and appley—crab apple rather more than dessert, thanks to the refreshingly rasping Etna tannins. A lively, fresh, and appetizing wine, with plenty of life and character. 91
MP | An obvious nose, with ripe strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and plum. Oak adds some spicy complexity, including vanilla and wood smoke. Dominant cherry fruit is reminiscent of Chambolle-Musigny, and this marries successfully with the high alcohol and lively acidity. Big but not ponderous, and there is plenty to like. With time, this may develop additional tertiary character, although the level of tannins and acidity remain a formidable barrier to long-term evolution. 92