Marco di Bartoli: Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988, 500 ml

Color:

Bright amber with a delicate red tint

Nose:

The nose is incredibly deep and complex. Smoky notes recall smoked bacon and Black Forest ham. A bit of rubber abrasion and old tires come with the emerging maturity. Dried fruits and nuts appear in great variety. Plums, apricots, and peaches. Dates, raisins, and figs join in. Roasted almonds spread alongside pecans and Brazil nuts. Salted caramel and popcorn add very exciting accents. A subtle hint of fresh apricots and mirabelles can be detected. Cinnamon and a little white pepper swirl around in the glass. Fruit bread and sourdough crust provide depth and honesty to the wine.

Palate:

On the palate, the 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva presents itself incredibly balanced. It radiates absolute calm, is in a sensationally good stage, and is also characterized by a piquant acidity. The fruit appears only as a marginal feature. It lives from a lean, straightforward character, underlaid with a delicate creaminess. The Marsala feels straight and elegant. Full of finesse and with plenty of room for the fine and versatile aromas. It almost tastes salty on the palate. Fruit, sweetness, acidity, and bitterness blend in wonderful harmony. This is complemented by the perfect arrival of the fifth taste sense: umami. Amazing! In the finish, the diverse aromas from the nose reappear.