Here comes the good stuff. The 2001 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé is a knockout wine that represents the pinnacle of quality in a passito dessert wine. This is a wine of profound beauty and soaring aspiration. In my mind, the wine is bigger than the tiny Mediterranean island of its birthplace. This outstanding vintage makes a lasting statement on the potential of air-dried Zibibbo. It embodies so much beauty and complexity starting with its brilliant amber hue and its delicate complexity. The bouquet shows peach cobbler, honey-roasted almond, candied orange zest and Marsala-like caramel. The wine is at a perfect moment in its drinking window and could pair with foie gras or other gastronomic delicacies. Soapy floral tones appear at the back as do dusty mineral notes. This wine really has it all, including crisp acidity that is perfectly matched to the wine's supple and creamy texture. This is a Sicilian Sauternes.