2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso CS (90 pts)

2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso CS (90 pts) #winereview @frankcornelissen _winery · ℹ️ This bottle is technically labeled as a Terre Siciliane IGT in this vintage, but post 2015 is being labeled as Etna Rosso DOP. CS stands for Chiusa Spagnolo which is a single vineyard of ungrafted (aka ownrooted) 💯 Nerello Mascalese that was planted in the 1920s.This vineyard is located in Contrada Zottorinoto which is the name of a specific lava flow on the North side of Mt Etna 🌋. This Contrada is only 620m above sea level, which is considered low elevation for Mt Etna. Chiusa Spagnolo forms a bowl or amphitheatre that has a wall of lava isolating it from the rest of the Contrada creating a unique micro climate· 👀 Medium ruby color with a slight garnet rim, very noticeable tears on the side of the glass· 👃 Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of raspberry, red plum, juniper, violets, thyme, and tilled earth. I will note that I am getting some Volatile Acidity, but it is lifting the aromatics and not over the top· 👅 The wine is dry. Medium+ acidity. Medium+ alcohol and despite the bottle saying 15% ABV, it doesn't feel hot🔥. Medium+ furry tannins that coat the teeth. Medium+ body. Similar notes on the palate as the nose. Additionally there is a wet rock mineral flavor that is quite pervasive and a funky low sulphur yeasty note, especially on the back palate. The finish is long and the floral and juniper flavors ride that wave· 🔔 Overall this is a very complex wine with a lot going on. This is powerful and ripe which represents the 2012 vintage on Mt Etna. If you don't like a touch of volatile acidity or natural wine funk then this is probably not for you. Personally, I can tolerate the former more than the latter. This is still evolving and can be cellared for at least a decade. If I had to choose a MunJebel Cru, Vigna Alta (VA) is still my favorite· #italy #sicily #mtetna #etnarosso #nerellomascalese #oldvines #frankcornelissen #munjebel #ungrafted #wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #vinho #wein #winelover #winegeek #winetasting #wsetdiploma #winestagram #wineterroir #sommelier #winelife #wineoclock #postmorewine #lovewine #winetime #wineporn #instawine