I Custodi “Sæculare” Etna Rosso Riserva 2016

97 points Vinous
The 2016 Etna Rosso Riserva Saeculare impresses with fragrances of crushed ashen stone, smoke and animal musk before revealing dried black cherries and a balsamic inflection. It's surprisingly racy and refined with radiant red and black fruits and crunchy mineral undertones. A touch of blood orange mingles with hints of clove. The 2016 closes with edgy tannins, sour citrus and dramatic length and concentration. The Riserva Saeculare hails from vines up to 200 years old in the Feudo di Mezzo Contrada.

94 points Robert Parker
The I Custodi 2016 Etna Rosso Riserva Saeculare is made with 80% Nerello Mascalese, with the rest of the blend being Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante. It offers impressive depth and good complexity, showing lovely fruit and ripe layers of richness. Despite the warmth and generosity of the vintage, it remains remarkably young and fresh 10 years down the line.

94 points James Suckling
Complex and deep with restrained evolution, showing graphite, dried roses, black pepper and dark fruit with leafy tones. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and condensed tannins on the palate. Savory, almost meaty aftertaste. Chewy, lifted yet balanced.

94 points Decanter
I always look forward to tasting Saeculare, a field blend which comes from old vines planted in wonderfully deep, black and fine volcanic soils in Feudo di Mezzo. This new 2016 release is the result of 36 months of ageing in used tonneaux, followed by at least another three years in bottle. In this case, it was held onto for a bit longer due to the quality and structure of the wine. Intense, muscular and grippy with a bold perfume, it has a succulent core of saline black cherry and blood orange, wrapped in a shell of dark chocolate, iron and dried red berries. Still youthful, it demands another few years to be at its best.

94 points Wine Critics
Intense aromas of ripe fruit intertwine with notes of tobacco, roasted coffee and black pepper. On the palate, it is elegant, with fine tannins and a long, persistent finish. A wine of great personality, made from century-old vines grown on volcanic soil.