2005 Benanti Etna Serra della Contessa

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 90.8 points

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  5/25/2020 - rsbeck wrote: 92 Points

  Popped, breathed in bottle two hours, consumed over next two. Wow, this wine really evolved with air. Upon opening, it was mouth puckering, tannic, and medicinal. 15 minutes later, the tannin was already softening and the medicinal quality was broadening into something more interesting. Two hours later, upon pouring, the tannin had softened even more, the aromatics had developed beautifully and the palate was racing to catch up. Very quickly, notes of damp earth and cigar box emerged and stayed center stage until it was almost like drinking a tobacco store. Aromatically, it was lovely. I was really happy sniffing. Finally, the cedar and tobacco receded, tannin had become like a down comforter and other flavors came forward, integrated and spread out. This is when it was most enjoyable. Needs air. Lots and lots of air.

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  2/4/2013 - plechazunga wrote:

  Decanted. A very deep, dark red. Rather astringent and tannic. Over time notes of dried fruits started welling up to the nose and on the pallet. The harsh bite at the end never went away. This needs a few more years to soften - can drink with fatty foods a bit sooner.

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  11/23/2011 - JOsgood wrote: 92 Points

  This was excellent. Pop and pour and it drank perfectly. Medium weight with lots of minerals. Balanced and complex. I love what is coming out of Etna.

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  6/12/2011 - Wamrod wrote: 91 Points

  Very nice - quite similar to the 2004, tho perhaps smoother.
  
  Mid to bright garnet, red fruits on the nose.
  
  The same tangy impression of red and dark fruits are there as the 2004, tho a slightly lesser degree. More integrated than the 04, but this is still young. Good tannins, good fruit and refreshing acids. A tasty finish that carried medium to long.
  
  All in all a great wine that will continue to improve over the next couple of years. Look forward to trying my next one.

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