The 2004 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé doesn't live up to the high standards set with the three vintages that proceed it. This passito opens to a dark amber hue that shows more brown than most of the other wines presented at this tasting. This edition reveals slight signs of oxidation or aldehydes with soapy lavender, dried cherry and apple skin. Ultimately, this vintage doesn't achieve the same level of balance and the mouthfeel is similarly one-dimensional. Heavy rains caused delays in the growing cycle and the harvest came 20 day later than average.

Very rich wine with lots of dried fruits, including apricots, apples and figs. Full-bodied, sweet and thick, with loads of character. Long and powerful. Drink now. 3,700 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / South / Sicily / Passito di Pantelleria Select to Add

Sicilians are notorious for an insatiable sweet tooth and a talent for making dessert wines: Hands down, the best of the best is Ben Rye. The aromatic layers are infinite: maple syrup, orange zest, almond paste, dried banana and creme caramel. This amber-colored dessert wine is dessert on its own. Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. ——M.L.(7/1/2006)—— 95