The 2014 Frank Cornelissen, Contadino 12th edition is well done
I have experienced maddening variation over the years with bottles from Cornelissen. I do not know whether this is exacerbated by no merchant storing it below the recommended 61 F or the warm car rides home. I certainly was prepared to return the bottle but after a quick sniff and taste, I knew I would not have to. This bottle developed fine over the course of an evening without showing any Pilsner flavors. It is best imagined as a rugged, approachable natural wine from Etna. Well stored examples may even develop some complexity over the next few years. I would recommend this for existing fans or those who want to experience what Frank Cornelissen is all about. This wine is available at MacArthur Beverages.
2014 Frank Cornelissen, Contadino 12th edition, Sicily – $26
Imported by Fruit of the Vines. This wine is a field blend of 85% Nerello Mascalese along with a small amount of Nerello Capuccio, Allicante Boushet, Minella nera, Uva Francesa, and Minella bianco. Alcohol 14%. This is a zippy, stone infused, red fruited wine. It mixed red fruit with citric pith flavors, plenty of baking spices, and extract in the way of texture. It sports some very fine, cloudy sediment. *** Now – 2021.