2018 NeroBufaleffj

This year's lineup from Gulfi included two vintages of their single-vineyard Nero d'Avolas, 2014 and 2018. What is interesting about this location in Sicily, versus much of the rest of Italy, is that 2014 was actually a good vintage for them, even if production was down. At the southern tip of the Island, they experienced a cool and dry year, with drought conditions through August, which was difficult for Gulfi, as they refuse to irrigate. However, the result is a truly stunning selection of wines that are already drinking beautifully. Keep in mind that these bottles have been refined in the winery cellar for seven total years; and yet, they maintain the same release price as the 2018s next to them. As for the 2018s, it’s going to be interesting to watch them develop. This was a warm, sometimes HOT, and rainy year that required strict selection in the vineyards to bring in healthy fruit. The wines are successful, yet they have a more finessed and light-hearted personality than what you’d typically expect, and earlier drinking windows as a result. However, the 2018 NeroSanloré really captured my attention, a vineyard that’s only 700 meters from the sea and at 10-15 meters in elevation.