Sangiovese

In a recent tasting of Chianti Classico Riservas, this was the (surprise) winner of the tasting.  Ruby in color with some purple hues in the core, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has black cherries, some salinity, and spice.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, black cherries with a wile thyme note.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This is fully mature and ready to drink.  It will be better with food.  Drink over the next five years.  A perfect choice for a Wednesday Meatloaf or Burger.  Great value.  

Nice showing for Banfi, one of the largest wineries in Tuscany, now owned by two of the grandchildren of John Mariani, an American who made his wine fortune selling Riunite.  Ruby in color with slight purple swirls, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is nice with cherries, tea leaves, and sandalwood.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, there is some complexity with nice black cherry fruit.  Good finish.  This is accessible and drinking well.  It won't improve but should drink well for another five to eight years.  Better with food, this is a great choice with Lasagna.  Outstand

I liked this more than the group I was tasting with.  It is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with the rest Canaiolo and Colorino grapes.  Purple in color with a clear rim, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, mint, spice and some forest floor.  Firm tannins.  Tight layers.  Complex, this needs some time to open.  Flavors of black cherries, herbs and spice.  Long finish.  This needs a few years in a good cellar and then should drink well for ten to fifteen after that.  It is nice on its own but will be better with food.  This would go well with Beans (and Sausage).  Plenty of ups

This is 100% Sangiovese.  Ruby in color, purple at the core, shimmering bright and mostly clear.  The nose is very nice with cherries, sandalwood, tea, and spice.  Medium bodied.  Firm tannins.  Moderate acidity.  Nice black cherry fruit on the palate with some spice and slight char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own but would be better with food.  A nice wine to accompany pasta with a red sauce.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  

This is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  I think this is what used to be the "Tan" label.  Ruby in color, darker at the  core.  The nose is initially tight but opens to show dust, cherries, anise and spice.  Light bodied.  Medium tannins.  Slightly bitter cherries on the palate.  Good acidity.  Good finish.  This is a fine CCR and reasonably priced.  It would be a nice mid-week pizza wine.  Drink over the next five to seven years.  

This is a solid Brunello that is at peak.  Ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cherries, some black cherries, tea leaves and spice.  Medium bodied.  Tannins resolved.  On the palate, cherries with some forest floor.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  There is some complexity.  Better with food at this point.  A nice match with a plate of mushroom pasta.  Drink up over the next few years.  

This had been purchased at the winery.  First time trying a sparkling Sangiovese wine.  Deep salmon pink in color.  It has a nice mousse with small to medium bubbles, clear and bright.  The nose is nice if not expected.  Green apples with slight rhubarb and strawberries.  Medium bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, apples, and slight strawberry notes.  Moderate finish.  A pleasant wine that will work better with food than on its own. Drink now.

It is always a real treat to drink this wine.  The price has gone up quite a bit in recent years but for the quality, it is still fairly priced.  One hundred percent Sangiovese from Tuscany.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is powerful with black cherries, cherries, sandalwood, black olives and spice.  Full bodied.  Still very firm tannins.  On the palate, this is showing some early maturity with flavors of black cherries, cherries, tea leaves and spice.  Long finish.  This still has another ten to fifteen years on it for well stored bottles.  Delicious on its own, this would

This is Sangiovese from Tuscany.  Gorgeous wine.  Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has cherries, some black cherries, spice, tea leaves and slight worn leather.  Full bodied.  Strong acidity.  Light to  medium tannins.  On the palate, this is delicious.  Complex and layered.  Flavors of cherries, forest floor and char.  Long finish.  This begs to be drunk with food.  Pasta with a nice meat sauce and some cheese and bread would be perfect.  Drink over the next ten years.  

Impressive showing for this wine which seems to be just getting close to peak.  Garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cherries, black cherries, dried cherries, forest floor and balsamic.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Great acidity.  On the palate, this has layers of complexity.  Cherries, dried cherries, dried leaves, and spice.  Complex.  Delicious.  Long finish.  Lovely on its own, but better with food.  What's your favorite mushroom pasta dish?  It went well with a creamy mushroom pasta.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.