2016 Passopisciaro, Franchetti, Sicily

Vinous 99

Cool-toned white pepper, woodland berries, ash, tobacco and crushed stone aromas emerge as the 2016 Franchetti comes to life in the glass. It sweeps across the palate with silky textures and polished red fruits, taking on rosy inner florals and hints of spiced citrus toward the close. Brilliant acidity maintains a fantastic balance as the 2016 tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge of cloves and tart cherries under an air of sweet lavender. This is stunning, to say the least. It’s following a path to perfect maturity. Bravo—this is classic to the core. [Eric Guido, 20/06/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2040

Robert Parker 94

A 60-40 blend of Petit Verdot and Cesanese d’Affile, the 2016 Franchetti shows a raw, determined character with dark fruit and prune aromas that emerge roaring from the bouquet. This is a loud, large-scale wine that wraps heavily over the palate with enduring waves of condensed black fruit, smoke, tar and cigar box. The wine is boldly extracted, almost to a fault, but it’s also delightfully opulent and enriched. Saying this wine has bold character would be a gross understatement. It ages in new French barrique for eight months followed by a ten-months’ resting period in cement vats. Only 3,900 bottles were made. [Monica Larner, 31/10/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035