IDDA Etna Rosso 2019

96 points James Suckling: "This is really beautifully rich and opulent with aromas of ripe fruit, caramel and chocolate brioche. Some earth, too. Medium-to full-bodied with soft, integrated tannins that give a cashmere mouth feel. It’s fresh and very long with gorgeous texture and a delicious finish. 98% nerello mascalese and 2% nerello cappuccio. A joint production from Graci and Gaja. So attractive to drink now, but better in 2023. (2/3/22)"

94 points Susan Hulme, MW (Decanter): "The 2019 IDDA rosso has taken a big step forward in quality. The tannins are so much more refined. According to Gaia Gaja, they increased the percentage of whole bunches used in the fermentation from 30% to 50%. At the moment, creamy new oak and soft vanilla dominate but it is still very young. Cream and ripe cherry fruit integrate softly on palate with herb and medicinal notes adding intrigue. Drinking Window: 2021-2032. (Sep 2021)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$54 list] The Idda 2019 Etna Rosso shows depth, length and everything in between. This 2019 vintage benefits from a long and slow growing season, just what the native red grapes of Etna prefer. The spring season saw a lot of rain for ample water reserves, and the weather then transitioned to a dry but not too hot summer season. The late harvest helped to develop structure and linearity in the wine that you taste, thanks to bright fruit nuances of blackberry, plum and a touch of candied orange peel. The wine is light, vertical and otherwise void of any residual heaviness. It finishes with pretty accents of toasted nut and earthy terracotta. Drink: 2022-2030. (Jul 2021)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "The result of a joint venture between Etna pioneer Graci and Piedmont icon Gaja, this has aromas of camphor, Mediterranean scrub and blue flower. Vibrant and savory, the elegantly structured, palate offers ripe raspberry, licorice and a hint of coffee bean before a flinty close. Polished tannins offer smooth support. Drink through 2027. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2021)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$54 list] An alluring red, with delicate spice, herb and iron notes layered with a pure beam of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Silky tannins provide light grip on the lingering finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Drink now through 2029. 2,800 cases made, 600 cases imported. (2021)"

92 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "[$54 list] An initial burst of roses and dusty black cherries lifts from the 2019 Etna Rosso, giving way to sweet tea leaves, spiced orange peels, shavings of cedar and hints of smoke, creating a layered and remarkably pretty bouquet. Here I’m finding a pure display of Nerello Mascalese fruit, which gains richness as it sits in the glass, with mineral-tinged red berries carried along a motivating core of vibrant acids under an air of inner florals. This tapers off delicate in feel, only lightly structured, and with medium length, leaving savory hints of licorice and plum. While fruit-centric, there’s a lot to like about the Idda Rosso. Drink: 2021-2027. (Jun 2021)"