The first vintage produced, the 1989 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé sets a steady course for future vintages to come. This inaugural wine is amazingly true to form and demonstrates that Donnafugata's vision has remained consistent over this past quarter century. Indeed, this was one of my favorite wines presented in this vertical. The bouquet shows evolution with aromas of caramel, chestnut, candied fruit and butterscotch. The color reveals deep amber and browning hues. As it warms in the glass, the wine offers delicate tones of wild mushroom, licorice and crushed oyster shell. The mouthfeel is thick and viscous and the 14.5% alcohol does pop through against the medium sweetness. Fruit was harvested the third week of August from sea-facing vineyards. With time, Donnafugata would opt to source more fruit from vineyards further inland at 800 meters above sea level. The Marsala overtones are evident in terms of both taste and style.