93 points James Suckling: "Plenty of cherry and ripe strawberry with crushed-stone undertones. It’s full-to medium-bodied with a bitter-cherry undertone to the fruit and firm, edgeless tannins. Drink or hold. (12/8/20)"
92 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$50 list] Here's an exciting new wine from the Benati family that showcases their latest vineyard acquisitions in the Contrada Cavaliere in Santa Maria di Licodia (with vines at 900 meters above sea level on the southwest side of Etna). The 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere reveals a darker appearance and a more intense aromatic profile, which are characteristics of this flank of the Etna volcano. This is a very expressive Etna red, meant for rich meat sauces on pasta, but it does show marked differences from the wines made in the area between Castiglione di Sicilia and Passopisciaro. For one, the aromas here are slightly more fruit-driven, with bright cherry and red apple skin. The tannins are a bit sweeter and glossier as well. They don't show that volcanic dryness you sometimes get. In all, this new wine has deftly navigated this hot and dry vintage. Production is 5,300 bottles strong. Drink: 2019-2026. (Oct 2019)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$50 list] Wild berry, Mediterranean herb, scorched soil and a whiff of game meld together on this 100% Nerello Mascalese. On the tightly knit palate, close-grained, drying tannins wrap around dried black cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside a hint of smoky mineral. Drink 2022–2027. Alcohol 14.5%. (Jan 2020)"
91+ points Ian D'Agata (Vinous): "Bright red. Savory herbs, flowers, and red fruit aromas and flavors. Rich, round and ripe but with good acid lift, this is more vibrant and floral than the 2017 Etna Rosso Monte Serra from Benanti, though it is also a touch less refined. Finishes long, with youthfully chewy tannins and with lots of size and flesh. Will appeal more to those who like their wines bigger rather than perfumed, but it’s hard to argue with this wine’s charm and fun in-your-face personality. Made from grapes of the two Nerello varieties grown at roughly 900 meters above sea level on the southwest slope of Etna. Drink: 2021-2025. (Aug 2019)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A clean, silky version, featuring creamy tannins layered with baked raspberry, violet, citrus and spice flavors. Medium-bodied, with tangy, minerally notes of saline and tarry smoke lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases made, 300 cases imported. (10/15/19)"
92 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$50 list] Here's an exciting new wine from the Benati family that showcases their latest vineyard acquisitions in the Contrada Cavaliere in Santa Maria di Licodia (with vines at 900 meters above sea level on the southwest side of Etna). The 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere reveals a darker appearance and a more intense aromatic profile, which are characteristics of this flank of the Etna volcano. This is a very expressive Etna red, meant for rich meat sauces on pasta, but it does show marked differences from the wines made in the area between Castiglione di Sicilia and Passopisciaro. For one, the aromas here are slightly more fruit-driven, with bright cherry and red apple skin. The tannins are a bit sweeter and glossier as well. They don't show that volcanic dryness you sometimes get. In all, this new wine has deftly navigated this hot and dry vintage. Production is 5,300 bottles strong. Drink: 2019-2026. (Oct 2019)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$50 list] Wild berry, Mediterranean herb, scorched soil and a whiff of game meld together on this 100% Nerello Mascalese. On the tightly knit palate, close-grained, drying tannins wrap around dried black cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside a hint of smoky mineral. Drink 2022–2027. Alcohol 14.5%. (Jan 2020)"
91+ points Ian D'Agata (Vinous): "Bright red. Savory herbs, flowers, and red fruit aromas and flavors. Rich, round and ripe but with good acid lift, this is more vibrant and floral than the 2017 Etna Rosso Monte Serra from Benanti, though it is also a touch less refined. Finishes long, with youthfully chewy tannins and with lots of size and flesh. Will appeal more to those who like their wines bigger rather than perfumed, but it’s hard to argue with this wine’s charm and fun in-your-face personality. Made from grapes of the two Nerello varieties grown at roughly 900 meters above sea level on the southwest slope of Etna. Drink: 2021-2025. (Aug 2019)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A clean, silky version, featuring creamy tannins layered with baked raspberry, violet, citrus and spice flavors. Medium-bodied, with tangy, minerally notes of saline and tarry smoke lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases made, 300 cases imported. (10/15/19)"
| Product SKU | 338937 |
| Producer | Benanti |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| SubRegion | Etna DOC |
| Varietal | Other Red Wines |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Ships To |
