Here is another passito that rises like a phoenix from the ashes. The masterful 2008 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé is a work of art and is -- with some distance -- the wine I mostly vividly remember from this tasting. This expression is uniquely curvaceous and opulent, although it never feels heavy or flat. The bouquet opens to extraordinary aromatic definition and gold rays of brilliant luminosity. Floral notes are mixed with apricot, stone fruit, toasted pine nut and wild sage. This vintage is the result of some of the most stringent fruit selection seen so far in the Ben Ryé line. The estate's 11 vineyard sites were harvested separately to create the perfect blend of site-specific fruit. This vintage also represents the first time the wine exceeds 200 grams per liter in residual sugar. The fresh acidity creates a perfect balance and you don't necessarily taste that extra sweetness. This wine is near indestructible and should age for decades more to come.

An intense sweetie, boasting concentrated peach compote, orange marmalade and golden raisin flavors backed by bright acidity, as spice, butterscotch and candied orange peel notes lead to a fruit-filled finish. Zibibbo. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / South / Sicily / Passito di Pantelleria Select to Add

Vivid amber-tinged golden- yellow. Piercingly intense aromas of dried apricot, candied peach, rose petal and grapefruit are complicated by hints of raisin and date on the captivating nose. Then juicy and fresh in the mouth, with concentrated flavors of ripe citrus, sweet spices and white flowers. This has huge fruit but doesn't come across as heavy or cloying thanks to wonderfully harmonious acids. An essence of air-dried muscat of Alexandria. I would have scored this pure, mesmerizingly intense wine even higher but for some oaky dryness that emerged as the wine opened in the glass. By far the best wine made at Donnafugata.

Ben Rye is always a fabulous dessert wine from Pantelleria (an island off the coast of Sicily) and this expression shows beautiful liveliness and personality. You’ll get aromas of stone fruit, apricot, honey, almond paste and even a spicy touch of fresh ginger. It feels smooth, rich and totally decadent.——M.L.(12/31/2010)—— 95