Graci Etna Rosso Contrada Barbabecchi 'Quota 1000' 2014

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "Alberto Graci has created a gorgeous wine—the best I have yet tasted from his winery—in the form of the 2014 Quota 1000 Barbabecchi. This wine represents many of the ideals that I would imagine finding if I were in front of the archetypal Etna Rosso. By the way, because these vineyards are about the appellation limit of 1,000 meters above sea level, this wine is technically not in the appellation. Funny how that works out, because this wine is indeed so reflective of that specific Etna identity. I tasted this wine twice: once when I first opened the bottle and once again 12 hours later. I did this with all my top-scoring reds in this report. This vintage is powerful, tonic, dry and tart. It offers a graceful, almost fragile first impression but then delivers a song succession of berry, smoke and ash flavors that drive the very long finish. Drink: 2019-2035. (Dec 2018)"

93 points Ian D'Agata (Vinous): "[$190 list] Luminous red. Deep spicy perfume of red cherry and minerals on the knockout nose. The pure flavors of Oriental spices and ripe red fruit are very fresh and light on their feet. Closes long and suave, with noteworthy vibrancy. Made from Nerello Mascalese grown at about 1,000 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Etna in the Barbabecchi contrada. Drink: 2021-2028. (Aug 2019)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "A harmonious red, featuring bright wild cherry and violet notes married to rich hints of fig cake and dried thyme, showing a streak of salinity. Medium-bodied and aromatic, with sculpted tannins firming the lingering finish of spice and graphite. Fresh and lively. Best from 2020 through 2030. 125 cases made, 10 cases imported. (10/31/18)"