2016 Marchesi Gondi Chianti Rùfina Riserva Pian dei Sorbi, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Colorino.  Purple with ruby swirls.  It is very tight on opening but with air opens to black cherry fruit.  The nose is easy and enjoyable.  On the palate, the black cherries come thru.  This seems ripe and has an almost cough syrup quality to the cherry fruit.  A bit of anise on the finish.  Firm tannins.  This is concentrated but seems more about fruit than a typical Chianti.  That proved to be a good thing in a tasting.  It will be interesting to see how this ages from here.  It seems like there is room to improve over the next few years.  It sho

2016 Pomona Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

This is a 100% Sangiovese wine that utilizes certified organic grapes.  And, of course, 2016 is an excellent vintage for Chianti.  This wine is superb.  The cork was quite tight and took some effort to extract.  The wine is deep garnet in color, purple at the core.  Mostly opaque and dark.  On the nose this has big black cherry fruit, slight black licorice and just of touch of earl grey tea.  On the palate, this has a lush texture.  Plenty of black cherry fruit with cherries.  It is still somewhat tight and young.  Firm tannins.  Long finish with an interesting anise note.  This will need a

2011 Azienda Agricola Caparsa Chianti Classico Caparsino Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2011
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

This was quite good.  In general, 2011 is a good, not great vintage in Chianti, but this was very good.  It is a very classic Chianti for all of the right reasons.  Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes.  Medium/dark ruby in color.  Clear and bright.  The nose is very nice.  It is earthy with macerated cherries and fresh cherries along with a sweaty note.  Sort of a rustic Tuscan quality.  On the palate, this has bright cherries over a forest floor.  Very firm tannins.  Long finish.  It was tasted and about half consumed, then a neutral cork inserted and left over night on the counter.  Better o

2012 Fietri Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$30.00USD

My first time trying his producer and I am impressed.  it is 100% Sangiovese with 13% abv.  Ruby in color, with just a hint of orange/brown.  The nose shows a very slight oxidation.  Not sure if that is age, style or the cork, but not enough to be an issue.  There is also a slight volatile acidity.  Again, not enough to be an issue.  In fact, the two together gives this wine an impression of being just a bit older than it is, but it is still drinking well.  Finally, the nose also has cherries and a warm, earthy forest quality to it.  On the palate, this has a very nice mouthfeel.  Medium ta

2014 Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Chianti Rùfina Nipozzano Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

2014 was a very difficult vintage in Tuscany.  Still, this is a nice wine if not at the level of better vintages.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, slight dry tea and slight mushrooms.  On the palate, the cherries come thru if a bit diluted.  So do the mushrooms.  Not as much acidity as other vintage.  Still, it will work well with pizza or Italian dishes.  Not a bad choice off the menu at a local Italian eatery.  

2004 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli, Italy, Tuscany, Wine review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$100.00USD

Pop and pour, this took a few minutes to open and then drank well.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, wet green tea, spice and slight char.  Full bodied.  A nice back bone of acidity.  Lots of cherry fruit layered with forest floor notes and a bit of anise.  Long finish.  This worked great with a pasta dish.  It also drank well on its own.  It won't get better but should be great drinking for the next ten to twelve years.  

2016 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$25.00USD

Some of the best values in the wine world are from Chianti.  Figure out the best wineries, and buy the second or third best wines.  Of course, the top wines are great too, but they can be pricey.  This wine can be found for under $30 and it is excellent.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is nice with cherries, black cherries, tea leaves/tobacco and slight cedar.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Nice acidity.  Black cherry fruit of char and forest floor.  Nice finish.  This is drinking well with light tannins.  It will continue for ten years, so no hurry.  A great match

2005 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna Asinone, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is, perhaps, the top producer of Vino Nobile.  It is made in the Area of Montepulciano in Tuscany from the Sangiovese grape and not be be confused with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is made from the Montepulciano grape.  This is mature and at peak.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, wet lea leaves, slight sandalwood and dust.  On the palate, this has fresh cherries, slightly sour cherries, and a slightly oxidized note.  Nice level of complexity.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This is drinking at its best and should be consumed in the next three or so years but it certainly wil

2015 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$24.00USD

Brilliant showing for this wine.  What a great value.  Everyone in the room commented on how good this was.  Perhaps a bit modern and fruit forward for a "traditional" Chianti, but it is delicious and affordable.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The nose has black cherries, slight chocolate, dust and slight loose tea.  On the palate, the chocolate and black cherries dominate at this point.  Medium tannins.  Enough acidity to counter the fruit.  Deep.  It unwinds in the glass.  Good finish.  This is delicious on its own and will work well with burgers or pizza.  It should develop for the

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