Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso, 2008

I have enjoyed this wine over the last 12 years, and I believe it may be starting its downward slide. It is still an excellent wine, however, graceful and elegant with twinkling flavors.

Even in its youth, this Etna Rosso had some orangeish tints on the rim, and these have expanded toward the middle. The same happens with a good Barolo or Barbaresco, of course. The dark cherries and pomegranates that I noted two years are less prominent now--more dried than fresh fruit. On the other hand, the exotic spice and floral tones may be even more prominent and intriguing. Not much tannin, but the acids keep the wild berry flavors dancing along the palate. Long, haunting finish. My advice at this point: drink up but don't give up. The wine still has a lot to give.