Slightly evolved and showing a deep sense of complexity and textural richness, the Planeta 2018 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614 is yet another reason to love Etna's terrific Carricante grape. (There's also a 10% touch of Riesling in this edition of 62,000 bottles.) That extra time in bottle, tasted now three years after the harvest, produces dusty mineral definition and ashy volcanic tones. The wine is linear and precise with more austerity that raises the bar in terms of its food-pairing potential. A beautiful seafood platter with grilled prawns might do the trick.

This is a blend of 90% Carricante that has been enhanced with 10% Riesling. It is amazing how much range, dimension, depth and overall definition that small percentage of Riesling brings to the table. These two grapes find remarkable harmony in the 2017 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614. The clarity and precise nature of those linear and almost-salty mineral notes found in Carricante are embellished and reinforced by subtle tones of petrol, ginger and beeswax that come from the Riesling. Together, these grapes make for beautiful and impactful aromatic intensity. Some 60,000 bottles were produced.

The 2016 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614 is comprised of 90% Carricante and 10% Riesling. This wine offers many exciting assets that distinguish it from its competition. First, that supporting presence of Riesling adds some of those benzine and resin-like aromas to the overall complexity of the bouquet. It is subtle, but the Riesling impact is well integrated within the broader texture of the wine. Second, the bouquet shows fruity tones of exotic fruit and perfumed honeydew melon, but it also offers drying mineral tones of brimstone and crushed seashell. This wine should continue to evolve over the next ten years.

The 2015 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614 is an enormously refined and elegant white to enjoy now or to put back in the cellar for another five years to further its evolution. This is a fine and temperate expression that bestows its volcanic characteristics in a prideful and upfront manner. The wine is full of mineral nuances that resemble brimstone, ash and crushed limestone. Yet, this Carricante-based wine (with a small part Riesling) is generous in terms of its fruit and citrus definition. Preserved lemon and candied orange peel appeal on the finish.

The 2013 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614 is absolutely spectacular and very reflective of its evident volcanic origins. The bouquet presents itself in clear layers. First are the drying mineral tones with lingering notes of ash and smoke. Once those lift, the wine warms up to peach, melon and candied orange peel. The layering is seamless and the wine builds momentum in the mouth thanks to its long persistency and balanced consistency. The drinking window here is generous and the wine should evolve further.