The 2007 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé comes from a very interesting growing cycle that is highly characterized by dry Sirocco winds from Africa. Those winds took the appassimento process into super drive and you can taste the extra sugar and cloying richness of the wine as a result. The bouquet reveals candied fruit, pressed flowers, brown sugar, honey, toasted almond and caramel. This is a complete and creamy wine with a dense and lasting sense of syrupy sweetness.

There's a tawny Port–like character to this sweet Italian wine, delivering notes of dried apricot and date as well as hints of raw walnut giving way to candied orange zest and salted caramel, as latent acidity keeps the long finish fresh. Zibibbo. Drink now through 2020. 350 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / South / Sicily / Passito di Pantelleria Select to Add

Ben Rye is a glowing example of Sicilian pride, and you can understand why. Beautifully integrated with deep aromas of orange zest, honey, chestnut, molasses and dried apricot, the wine is a true incarnation of lavish decadence. The mouthfeel delivers impressive intensity and concentration of flavors.——M.L.(12/15/2008)—— 94