De Bartoli Marsala Vecchio Samperi 10 anni NV

WA : As one might expect, the NV Marsala Superiore 10 Anni is a richer, denser wine than the 5 Anni. This dark, weighty Marsala flows with the essence of dried figs, spices and prunes, showing superb delineation as well as notable complexity, both in its flavors and texture. The 10 Anni seems to hit the sweet spot for De Bartoli. It is a more important wine than the 5 Anni, but the fruit retains an element of freshness that is missing from the 20 Anni. The 10 Anni is 50% Grillo and 50% Inzolia aged in cask, Solera-style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. De Bartoli is a historic name in Sicily. Proprietor Marco De Bartoli is making some of the most interesting wines on the island. Although the entire range is impressive, De Bartoli excels with Marsala. This sweet wine has never enjoyed a particularly brilliant reputation in the US, where most consumers are likely to be familiar with it as a cooking wine, but make no mistake about it, in the hands of a serious producer Marsala can be as serious a wine as any. WS : Like a great amontillado Sherry. A wonderful aperitif for a winter’s night, with toasted walnut, orange peel and honey. Medium- to full-bodied, with very ripe fruit and a long, nutty, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.