2014 San Lorenzo Etna Rosso Le Vigne di Eli

The 2014 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is a dark and exuberant wine that is loaded tight with blackberry and black fruit aromas. I am surprised by the forthcoming nature of the fruit in this Etna Rosso. Wines made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio tend to fly under the radar in terms of succulence and obvious primary fruit. The expression is redolent of Morello cherry, blackberry tart and black plum. The tannins are riper and softer, too. Ultimately, the wine's complexity is slightly masked in this expression from the celebrated 2014 vintage. I would suggest putting this wine aside for an additional year or two before drinking it.

Deep ruby-red. Expressive and very fresh aromas of raspberry, sweet red plum, flinty minerality and pungent spices. Delivers outstanding power and palate- staining richness; suave, sweet red berry and cherry flavors are complicated by aromatic herbs and minerals. This is both complex and complete, featuring polished tannins and harmonious acidity. It finishes very long, saturating every taste bud. Outstanding Etna Rosso. Aged 18 months in large oak barrels and tonneaux (a mix of Austrian and French oak). It was not made in 2013 because the owner of the vineyard decided to sell the grapes elsewhere.