Tasca d’Almerita Etna Tenute Tascante Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. 2016

95 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): “[$120 list] This wine is made from Tascante’s oldest vines, planted in 1961. The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. (the initials stand for Vigna Vecchia or “old vines”) is a beautifully polished and glossy expression with a fine and smooth aromatic presentation. It starts off with primary notes of forest berry and cassis and spans all the way over to campfire ash and camphor. That range is as beautiful as it is impressive. The mouthfeel is silky and soft with fine, powdery tannins. Put this delicate wine aside for a few more years. Some 5,000 bottles were produced. Drink: 2020-2035. (Oct 2019)”

95 points Decanter: “VV stands for Vieilles Vignes (‘old vines’), denoting that this wine is made from a plot of vines planted back in 1961. The soils are rich in rocks, formed mainly by volcanic sand with basalt and pumice. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in 25hl Slavonian oak barrels. There is seamless elegance on display here, with incredible balance, and great concentration and energy. The structured, spicy red fruits with a deep mineral core have wonderful finesse and length. Great ageing potential. Drinking Window: 2019-2030. (Oct 2019)”

93 points Ian D’Agata (Vinous): “Moderately saturated ruby-red. Very pure aromas and flavors of blood orange, potpourri, red cherry nectar, minerals and sweet spices. Very light on its feet and extremely suave, with outstanding acid-sugar-tannin balance, this is actually less weighty on the palate than the regular Sciaranuova bottling. The finish is very long and pure. Drink: 2021-2029. (Aug 2019)”

93 points James Suckling: “A fresh, very elegant, light-colored red showing sliced lemons and plums with hints of cedar and dusty earth on the nose. Light body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Yet, a density and old-vine nature to the wine. Contrastive. Drink now. (11/7/19)”