Passopisciaro (Franchetti) Terre Siciliane Contrada "C" 2018

97 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Delicate in its floral essence, Contrada C displays the grace of red hibiscus tones blended with small berries reminiscent of raspberries and currants. The background bitterness emerges subtly and elegantly in the citrus notes of mandarin peel, cedar, cinnamon, and cloves. On the palate, the wine is solid, relaxed, and rich in sweet tannins, perfectly ripe and integrated into the matrix and alcohol content. Gentlemen are born...and Contrada C shows the quality of the top players in the 2018 vintage in Etna. (Jul 2020)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "[$90 list] When grown with care and precision, Nerello Mascalese, like Nebbiolo, can make extraordinary wines even in a wet, challenging vintage like 2018 as this radiant, rounded red demonstrates. Made by one of the denomination's stellar estates, it teases with perfumes of blue flower, rose, chamomile, baking spice and Mediterranean scrub alongside eucalyptus notes. Savory and creamy, the palate doles out crushed strawberry, black cherry, sage and star anise alongside a hint of iron. Velvety tannins provide polished support. Drink through 2028. Alcohol 13%. (Dec 2020)"

95 points Falstaff: "Shiny, ruby brightening at the rim. Very fragrant and accessible nose with notes of strawberry and blood orange, coriander seeds in the background. On the palate, very good tension, opens with plenty of fine-meshed tannins, builds up well, salty and with firm drive on the finish. (9/24/20)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$90 list] Violet and spice box notes waft from the glass of this round, lightly chewy red, with a fragrant skein winding through flavors of crushed cherry and strawberry fruit and hints of loam and chocolate. Fresh and lingering on the smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2033. 332 cases made, 125 cases imported. (10/21/21)"

93 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2018 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) is incredibly pretty and flashy in the glass. Sweet florals, cherries, strawberries and spices find balance through a grounding note of grilled herbs. It’s silky and pliant in feel, almost creamy, but contrasted by tart red and black berries, and a mineral thrust that creates a more tactile feel toward the close. Inner rose and salted licorice linger along with a hint of savory herbs, all over a nuanced layer of round tannins. The Chiappemacine, hailing from one of the warmer and lower-elevation vineyards in the Passopisciaro portfolio, is already very easy to like. Drink: 2022-2030. (Jun 2021)"