NV Ajello Sicilia Shams

RJonWine.com

• By Richard Jennings
  5/24/2008, (See more on RJonWine.com...) 92 points

  (NV Ajello Sicilia Shams) (white blend of Moscato, Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia, blend of '02, '04 and '06 vintages) - medium golden color; floral, honeysuckle and Viognier-like nose; floral, jasmine, honeysuckle, dried peach and dried pineapple palate; medium-plus finish 92+ pts

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  6/26/2007, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (NV Ajello Shams) Dessert Rarity Dear Friends, Luca Maroni is probably Italy’s toughest wine critic. He pans almost everything as an afterthought and a 90pt score from him is really an achievement. He is feared in Italy unlike any other critic as his scornful words can destroy a wine overnight - just the opposite when he gives a “90”. His praise is so fleeting that the country takes note when a wine is singled out. To earn a 90pt score, a wine has to stand out against the entire class of Italian wines (not just it’s peer group) and a star is born overnight (as an example of his difficult scoring he gave the 2000, 2001 and 2003 Ornellaia 85, 86 and 88pts and the same vintages of Masetto 86, 88 and 88pts - he’s not kidding around). That’s why this was such an amazing achievement for Ajello when the first rendition of Shams debuted a few years ago, a 97pt score from Luca Maroni - one of the highest he has granted in his long and illustrious career (if my math is correct, only 6 Italian wines have earned a higher score in the last decade - that’s out of 30,000 or more wines tasted). Subsequent renditions of the Shams have debuted to further praise by Maroni with multiple 90+ ratings, which have confirmed its brilliance and accord as one of Italy’s most important dolcezzi. If you are into dessert wine or have even considered experimenting with dessert wine, this is your offer. From out of nowhere, this eccentric and enchanting expression from a district in Sicily not far from Marsala is unlike any other sweet wine. From a blend of Moscato, Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia the winery releases parcels almost in a solera method from a blend of vintages that they see fit (no one is really sure what’s in each rendition). Ajello believes the wine is most like fresh orange blossoms dipped in caramel - something I’m quite sure none of you have tried but can only imagine. I will let Luca Maroni describe the Shams with his review of the debut vintage (which I believe was heavy on the 2002 vintage) - makes even me blush. I apologize for my somewhat pathetic translation of his poetic alliteration but it’s the best I could muster. The new release we offer below has not been reviewed yet but I’m sure it will carry on the tradition with aplomb: We are very proud to offer this wine, an elixer that has never been imported to the US and may never be again (only a few retailers in Italy receive an allocation and most goes straight to the best restaurants). The current release is a blend of several years (I think it is 2002, 2004 and 2006) and the winery is very proud of it - they believe it is the best wine they’ve ever made including all of their dry wines. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a one of a kind treat at a price that is still within reason for the effort and exotic quality. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY directly from the winery cellar (2002/2004/2006 et al) Ajello Shams (375ml) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy9881