Florio Marsala Superiore Riserva Semisecco 2015

A subtle nutty character with notes of dates, dried persimmons, amaretto and spices. Polished and linear palate with moderate sweetness and refreshing acidity. Some yeasty undertones and a hint of oxidation, but in a good way. Lingering finish. Matured in oak casks for seven years. Drink or hold.

The 2015 Semisecco Marsala Superiore Riserva displays a dark amber color. It lifts from the glass with cinnamon, cloves and dried black cherries. This is silky smooth with a balanced inner sweetness, mixing cocoa with baked apple and ground ginger. It finishes surprisingly fresh yet long and staining, leaving a mocha tinge and hints of brown spice. This is nicely done and beautifully balanced, finishing at 80 grams of residual sugar per liter and 19% abv.

A warming, walnut brown pour in the glass sets the stage for honey, cooked apples, stewed apricots and figs on the nose on top of buttery, leathery undertones. The palate feels delightfully indulgent with maple syrup and French toast, brown butter and rum raisin-it almost demands a cheese pairing.