The 2011 Guardiola (Chardonnay) boasts impeccable richness and class in its juicy peaches, lemon, white flowers and spices. Insistent veins of minerality frame the long, finish. The 2011 is a gorgeous, totally pure expression of Chardonnay from the slopes of the Etna. I would not be surprised if the 2011 opens over the next 6-12 months, as it had just been bottled at the time of my tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.
Andrea Franchetti describes 2010 as a cold year on the Etna that yielded wines of energy and cut. That is certainly the recurring theme in this set of new releases. Once again, Franchetti has produced a number of wines that set the bar for what can be achieved on the Etna. This is a stunning set of new releases.
Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504