Benanti Etna Rosso Riserva Alberello Centenario 2015

99 Points (Top Collector), James Suckling

It’s fitting that one of Sicily’s leading producers and one of the ones most responsible for their current place on the international stage has now made an age-worthy Red wine that can compete with any cellar worthy Red from anywhere in the world. James Suckling said it belonged in the “highest league of Italian and global wines” and that’s not hyperbole. This wine really is that good.

Benanti’s Serra Della Contessa Particella No. 587 Alberello Centenario (officially) is made from vines as old as the name is long. Over 100 year old pre-phylloxera vines are responsible for carving out this Italian Red Wine masterpiece that I think has the bones and structure to last 40-50 years. You can tell there’s so much nuance and depth that’s just tucked away in this one– like a sleeping monster just begging to be awakened.

As you can probably imagine, a bottling such as this is extremely rare– perhaps the greatest Sicilian bottling to date and in the magical 2015 — a wine that is equally as memorable as the best Brunellos and Barolos from the vintage. Only 15 six-packs even made their way to the East Coast, and I can say that five of those six-packs are earmarked for Nicholas Wines. That means just 30 bottles to go round. Don’t miss this gorgeous Italian collector.