September 13, 2019 - My 2nd of two bottles bought upon release. I probably drank the first bottle too young (late 2010) and tonight's a year or two past its peak, but preferred tonight's bottle. Buttery richness without oak, this shows apple, baked apple and even some caramel apple emerging with age. Good weight and depth with a fun, near sweet finish.
July 25, 2017 - 100% Chardonnay from very densely-planted, 6 years old vineyard situated over 1000 meters above the sea level. The vintages from 2009 onwards have been fermented and aged in a mix of oak casks from 800 to 4000 liters in size and glazed cement vats, but some sources say this wine hasn't seen oak at all, only cement. 13,5% alcohol, served blind.
Very developed, medium-deep golden yellow. Very mature nose with savory, developed aromas of dried apple, cheesiness, some oxidative nuttiness and a hint of smoke. On the palate the wine feels ripe and very developed with really mature - almost old - flavors of browned butter, some smoke, a little bit of smoky minerality, a hint of Fino-like aldehydic tang and a touch of salinity. The wine is quite high in acidity, but somewhat concentrated by the age, giving the mouthfeel some sense of oiliness. The finish is quite fresh with high acidity, but it also tastes quite old with very developed flavors of saline aldehydic tang, roasted nuts, some borderline woody spice and a hint of smoke.
No-one could guess this was an Sicilian white, let alone one made from Chardonnay. I really can't blame anyone, seeing how aged this wine tasted like - there was very little recognizable left in the wine. It has obviously seen better days some years ago and is now long past its peak. There was some discussion whether the wine was aged at some point in non-optimal temperature, which would explain why the wine felt so prematurely aged. A few peope thought that the wine was really wonderful right now, exhibiting some old Chardonnay characteristics, but a great majority agreed that the wine was so past its peak it didn't taste of Chardonnay or Sicily anymore - just "old white wine". Thus, not rated. If you have any bottles left, now is high time to drink 'em up.
May 10, 2015 - From memory of a small taste. Limpid gold, modest sweet tropical nose, similar palate with added citrus, pleasant refreshing finish. Enjoyed roundly.
January 26, 2012 - I will refrain from scoring since I am not a Chardonnay fan, but this would certainly suit anyone who likes Chablis. The volcanic soil adds a very interesting element. I much prefer Chablis to California Chard, so if that is your leaning this is definitely worth trying.
August 3, 2011 - Light lime-yellow. Nose of tropical and clean musky fruit. The palate is fruity chardonnay with just hints of oak and oil, with a fairly long citrus-peachy finish. Seems to have a relatively sweet fruit profile (but not at all sweet wine), enjoyed with roast salmon.
April 25, 2011 - This wine sees no wood and the result is stunning. Simply delicious wine. Amazing purity. Hints of bubble gum on the palate, with a clean lengthy finish.
November 16, 2010 - Great benefits from a little bottle age. This is big, rich, dense Chardonnay with a very unique vineyard signature.
November 13, 2010 - Floral with lots of bright apple, enjoyable but slightly taut today. Good weight and brightness. Cellar for a few years.
September 13, 2010 - Delicious. A bit cloudy, reserved nose of lemon. Minerals, lemon/lime, but subdued, some stone fruit even. Great acidity. Balanced. Will hold my other bottle a couple of years.
July 6, 2010 - Heckuva good chardonnay. . .italian whites rock. . .so tasty and refreshing, even chardonnay! Note of advice. . .this wine, unlike many other italian whites, did not hold up well into the second and third day. But that first night. . .memory lingers.