Classy and perfumed, this stands out with pretty aromas of spiced plums, nutmeg and white pepper following through to a medium body. It has a polished texture, creamy tannins and a bright, fresh finish. Drink or hold.
96 points, James Suckling (Jul 2024)
One of the best wines from the volcano is this always overachieving blend of 97% Nerello Mascalese and 3% Nerello Cappuccio. The Girolamo Russo 2022 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo draws its fruit from 80-year-old vines at an ideal (or I should say ideal for Etna) 780 meters in elevation. The cooling breezes and strong luminosity of these elevations help to contribute to the freshness of the wine and its beautifully intense aromas. There is wild cherry, violet and Sicilian blood orange. Maceration times extend to 18 days, and the wine ages in used barrique for 18 months. The wine's attractive dark ruby shine leads to a long-lasting and very polished mouthfeel. This is a release of 6,000 bottles.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Apr 2025)
The 2022 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is a spice box, with depths of cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange shavings, incense and sweet smoke forming its irresistible bouquet. This is elegant in style with velvety textures, yet it has an energetic persona. Red and blue fruits wash across the palate, leaving a sensation of liquid stone in their wake. Violet and lavender tones linger long through the finish as fine-grained tannins flex and hints of licorice slowly fade. The balance here is unreal, making the 2022 the most complete of Girolamo Russo's current releases.
95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (May 2025)
The nose is full of damp earth and pepper, with subtle floral aromas of cherry blossom and then savory notes of bitter orange peel and oregano. The palate has the bright sweetness of cherries and raspberries, but also more peppery earthiness for balance. Acid explodes around tannins that are polished without losing that trademark Sicilian grit.
94 points, Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2024)