Another 2017 release of 4,000 bottles and also from pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines, the Pietradolce 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Santo Spirito is really quite beautifully balanced and composed in the vintage, more so than I would have expected given some of the excessive heat that came during the summer months. With fruit from a vineyard site in Castiglione di Sicilia, the wine reveals a polished, dark ruby appearance with lighthearted aromas of sour cherry and tart cassis. Those delicate berry embellishments are wrapped around spice, mineral and earth. 94+ points

The 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Santo Spirito is intense, bursting from the glass with an array of crushed black raspberries, dried roses, curry-like spices and cedar shavings. It is potent, with waves of velvety textural red fruits that coat the palate in primary concentration, offset by a core of citrus-tinged acidity. It leaves sweet tannins that grip the senses without slowing the 2017’s momentum, as hints of sour cherry and balsam herbs resonate. This is a sexy Santo Spirito that just needs a bit more cellaring to soften some of its rough edges. 92 points