Firriato Ribeca

Romazini: 3/5 Stars

Robert Parker: 91/100 Points

The 2007 Ribeca (Perricone) emerges from the glass with a heady array of violets, graphite, black cherries and spices. There is wonderful depth and clarity, while the French oak is deftly balanced. Sweet spices, licorice and tar add complexity on the long, elegant finish. This is the finest version of the Perricone I can recall. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017.

I have to say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Firriato this year. Across the board this is a very solid line-up, which is particularly impressive considering the estate's production is now nearly 5 million bottles per year spread across numerous properties in Sicily. Firriato is among the new entrants in the Etna, and those wines are among the highlights.

The Winemaker