The 2017 Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola is a red wine made from the Nerello Mascalese varietal, originating from the volcanic slopes of Etna in Sicily, Italy. This wine is produced by Alta Mora and is sealed with a cork. It has an alcohol content of 15.0%.
James Suckling rated this wine a 92, describing it as having "lots of ripe fruit with cooked plums, figs and bark," complemented by "mahogany and Chinese spice box" aromas. Suckling notes that it is full-bodied with "firm, juicy tannins and hints of wood and spice at the finish." He advises giving the wine two or three years to soften and come together, suggesting it be consumed after 2022 (jamessuckling.com, 10/5/2021).
Vinous gave the 2017 Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola an excellent score of 94. The reviewer, Eric Guido, praised its complex aroma, which includes "crushed rocks, savory herbs, dusty rose, dried cherries, hints of blood orange, and camphor." According to Guido, the wine is "surprisingly juicy and cool-toned in feel, with energizing acidity that counteracts the intense wave of dark red fruits that wash across the palate." He also highlighted its "grippy tannins" and "remarkably long" finish, which leaves "violet inner florals and mineral tones that resonate for up to a minute" (Vinous, 6/1/2022).
Wine Enthusiast also awarded the wine a 92, with Danielle Callegari noting its "stones, fresh mixed berries, and new leather shoes" on the nose. The palate is described as "juicy but savory," featuring "grilled meat, olives and crushed stones, before wild strawberry and raspberries creep through." The wine's "round juiciness is contrasted by a backbone of acid that keeps the finish dynamic" (Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/2023).
Wine Spectator gave this wine another 92 score, appreciating its "plump juiciness" with flavors of "macerated cherry, red licorice, wild sage, and mandarin orange peel." The wine is "lightly dusted with a hint of cocoa powder and layered with fine, supple tannins," and it has a "lingering, minerally finish." This wine is recommended to drink now through 2030 (Wine Spectator, 10/31/2023).
Overall, the 2017 Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola is a highly praised wine, recognized for its rich complexity, full body, and long-lasting finish.