donna 7.jpg Every time I think of Pantelleria, I think of the fabled Count of Monte Cristo, creation of Alexandre Dumas.

Of course, the island of Montecristo itself is halfway between Corsica and Italy mainland and quite a distance from the island of Pantelleria which is between Tunisia & Sicily. And so it can be argued that both islands have nothing to do with each other. But i think Dumas chose Montecristo only because he did not taste the wines from Pantelleria before doing so. If he would have, it is obvious that the only place the Count would have wanted to stash his treasures was among the incredibly beautiful vines of this most picturesque island...

At Vinitaly last week, I had the wonderful chances to taste the Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2008 twice. And what a treat each time!!

Not only because Ben Ryé was already among my top favorite wines in the world, but because 2008 was an excellent year for the wine, considered to be 5-star by most. And it shows because the balance is excellent supporting an incredibly luscious palate with stunningly complex, almost diabolical, aromas on the nose and palate...

The color, amber with gold reflection, is rich and inviting... the nose incredibly complex, transporting you to the shores of this beautiful island, and in my case, making me dream that i am the Count with all of his treasures... the palate simply exploding with all kind of aromatics reminding one of ripe apricots and peaches, citrus and orange peels, caramel, cinnamon and other spices, blossoms and an mysteriously exotic perfume.... all of it interlaced with luscious sweetness yet lifted by a wonderfully refreshing acidity... lasting forever in a wonderfully orgasmic peacock tail finish....

It is impossible not to love this wine. A real gem. A true treasure... Clearly the source of some irrational passion...