July 24, 2022 - Time has helped this wine become slightly more complex and even better than it was when I last had it one year ago. Double decanted and served one hour later, and then enjoyed over three nights. I love Nerello Mascalese whether it is made in the "refined" or "rustic" style, as long as it is well-made. This (L16121) is definitely an example of the former. It has a light/medium body and is very fragrant, especially cranberries, sour cherries and mint. It has excellent acidity and nice tannins in the background, providing structure. It finishes with a savory flavor of stone-pit fruits, raw beef and minerals. It's a very good food wine, and only 13%. This is a gracious, balanced wine with a very good QPR.
June 28, 2021 - Double decanted and served after 45 minutes on night one, and the second half served on night two; much better on night two. Very similar, and slightly better, than the last bottle I had 2.5 years ago. This L16121 is the same in all these respects: "light, bright red color; very fragrant, showing cranberries and mint; light-bodied, yet with excellent acid and tannin structure that make it delicious with a wide variety of food; hints of Etna's characteristic raw-meat flavor, and a nice mineral finish with no obvious alcohol or wood. A charming wine with personality and a very good QPR. Even better on night 2, trending towards 92!" I would add that on night two that sippable characteristic of great Nerello Mascalese came out, with each drop conveying lots of savoriness. If this wine had a bigger or more complex aromatic profile it would rank up with the great Etnas; but for now, it does not.
March 12, 2019 - Corked.
January 27, 2019 - Very pretty on the bouquet and perfumed and lightly juicy on the palate; then less appealing (though adequate) once the veil comes off on the finish. A good, easy drinker with pleasing character. Feels like one for a clear Spring evening.
November 15, 2018 - Corked.
September 17, 2018 - Aerated with a Vinturi. Fragrant nose of cherry, cranberry, loamy earth and underbrush. Palate mirrors the nose with integrated ripe tannins. Medium length finish. Medium bodied.
August 12, 2018 - Decanted 30 minutes; light, bright red color; very fragrant, showing cranberries and mint; light-bodied, yet with excellent acid and tannin structure that make it delicious with a wide variety of food; hints of Etna's characteristic raw-meat flavor, and a nice mineral finish with no obvious alcohol or wood. A charming wine with personality and a very good QPR. Even better on night 2, trending towards 92!
May 31, 2018 - Tart, notes of dried plums and cherries. Light and fruity. Perfect weeknight wine.
December 30, 2017 - soft rose color. red fruit, sicilian earth, and fennel seed on the nose. light bodied and smooth. bursting with sweet cranberry, yet overall tart. bit of vanilla, some element of pork savor, and very fine drying tannin on the palate. stands up to good village burgundy at half the price. perfect speed for a daily drinker. case me.
November 5, 2017 - Light