Chianti Classico in 2014
Another in my series of reports focusing on the wines I was able to sample at the prowein event held in March of this year in Dusseldorf, Germany. Today we’re talking about Chianti Classico, soon to be followed by thoughts on a line-up of the new Gran Selezione wines. I’m not sure we need yet another level for Chianti, but that too shall wait for the next installment of this series for today i want to remain focused on the basic wines of the Chianti Classico zone.
For me this is what Chianti is all about.
Classico: coming from the historic heart of the region.
No extended ageing. No Grand selection.
Chianti Classico had a stand are Prowein were one could taste trough probably 100 wines from over 60 producers both large and small. For a little more background on the Prowein event please check out Why You Should be going to Prowein.<http://www.snooth.com/articles/prowein-2014/>>Stands like this are a very compelling reason to go, and while I was not able to devote as much time as I may have wanted to Chianti during this visit, after all Chianti occupied maybe 3% of the acres of Italian wines being featured at Prowien, and Italian wines make up only a modest percentage of the toal number of wines on offer, I did manage to spend the better part of three hours investigating 18 Chianti Classicos followed by 12 of the New Gran Selezione wines.
I skipped all the Riservas, and in hindsight that may not have been the greatest plan, but time was short and I had pressing matters to think about. Like how long the Burger truck line was going to be.
But seriously, I was here, at the Chianti Classico stand with limited time and a pair of missions. First and foremost was to try and suss out some of the best values from all the wines on offer, and that generally means skipping the Riservas. The second goal in mind was to try the Gran Selezione wines to see how they stack up, and here is where not having a recent set of tasting impressions for the Riservas may have done me a disservice. Instead I was to compare these new wines with the basic Chianti Classicos, and as that turns out that may be a more difficult task.
These wines are the vanguard of Chianti, released relatively early and designed to showcase the fruit of Sangiovese, often blended with a litany of other grapes. Chianti may very well be one of the most improved wines on earth. from distant but still clear memories of shrill, acidic , and thin wines happy to carry the banner of one of Italy’s greatest wine regions we have finally arrived at a point where Chianti can rub shoulders with some of the best wines in the market today.
[PAGEBREAK]
Historically the Riservas got the lion’s share of attention, not so much because they were necessarily better wines, but rather because they were both a selection of the best lots and benefitted from additional ageing. that ageing had it’s drawbacks as well. To my palate Sangiovese is not a grape that is particularly predisposed to benefiting from extended ageing in barrel. easy to oxidise and rather delicate, the aromas, flavors, and texture of sangiovese seem to prefer time in the bottle to time in the barrel.
Today what is going in the bottle, even at the basic chianti Classico level, has never been better. these wines have complexity and depth, retain Sangiovese characteristically austere tannins and acidic snap on the palate while showing off a depth of fruit that vintners a few decades ago could only have dreamed about.
The vast majority of the wine tasted for this article were from the 2011 vintage, with a smattering of 2010s and 2012s included out of necessity. While perhaps not at the level of either the vintage that preceded it or the vintage that followed, 2011 is a fine vintage rich with fruit, from a rather warm year overall and a decidedly torrid August in particular that sped up the harvest and give some producers problems of balance. Fortunately even in August overnight low temperatures were in line with historical averages wso the grapes did retain balancing acidity. that acidity was vital in a vintage like 2011 where the grapes did suffer from dehydration, and in some cases sunburn as well leading to jammy and roasted flavors.
Due to the wet winter and rains that fell during the summer the vines were able to handle the heat fairly well, but it did speed up the harvest, which was about three weeks ahead of schedule and the poor, thin soils in the Chianti Classico region did tend to dry up and retain the heat of the day to a larger extent than those of surrounding regions. The results are certainly interesting, and in many cases with these Chianti Classicos quite attractive. These are wines that are built, after all, on fruit not nuance, and a vintage like 2011 can supply plenty of fruit.
Unfortunately many wines could only supply masses of fruit in 2011, and this lineup was, in the grand scheme of things, rather disappointing. The standouts were all delicious wines but I expected more from several of the producers. with 60 producers pouring at this stand I did have to pick and choose a bit, relying mostly on old favorites to taste from. Perhaps therein lies some of my disappointment. My expectations were high, and in all honesty I do love Chianti, but for all the wrong reasons when it comes to a vintage like 2011. I love Chianti for it’s light, fresh, zesty purity. Edgy little tannins, mouth watering acids. An affinity for food that is tough to beat. That’s my Chianti checklist, and only a handful of these wines checked all the boxes.
So what’s the takeaway from this? By choosy with your purchases of 2011 Tuscans. There were wines with unripe tannin, low acids, and roasted fruit, none of which i want in my cellar. On the flip side there were some pretty terrific wines as well, so my best advice is that you probably don't need these wines, but will be able to buy many at a discount once the vintage is broadly distributed. I was fortunate to taste these wines early in their lives, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see them for much of the coming year, but they will be coming eventually, though sandwiched as they are between 2010 and 2012 I don’t think they will find much of a market.
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2011 Querciabella Chianti Classico $35
100% Sangiovese
Spicy on the nose with a hint of wood adding detail to the raw if not aggressive perfumes of frutti del bosco flecked with hints of seeds and spice adding real complexity. This is downright opulent in the mouth and punching way above its weight class with richness, depth of fruit and a refined quality that makes this a real standout of the tasting. the fruit, pure, lively and spiced on the palate with wild red berry, red cherry, and astringent lingonberry notes is wrapped around subtle mineral and herbal nuances with fantastic length, power, and freshness on the finish. 92pts
2011 Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico $18
80% Sangiovese, 20% unspecified ‘complementary’ varieties
Wild yeast organic earthy, funky aromas greet the nose, though under all of that this really has a big, perfumed nose with great complexity. Edgy and wonderfully clear on the palate, this is awesome though it has some funk on the palate that will turn some people off. late arriving minerality explodes through the veil of sheer red fruits and leads to a long finish that shows real finesse and a fine edge of austerity to the tannins in the mouth. 91pts
2011 Dievole Chianti Classico $20
90% sangiovese, 10% complimentary red grape varieties
Rather explosive on the nose with superbly focused aromas of mineral, dried herbs, and smoky nuances all layered over a base of slightly jammy wild strawberry and lingonberry fruit. Perhaps a touch soft on entry, this then firms up with a fine astringent streak running through the cherry and strawberry fruited palate. In the mouth the fruit tannins built up showing great structure and compelling complexity that lingers through the long finish. This could use some more definition on the palate, which may come with time, but is already very good. 90pts
2011 Val delle Corti Chianti Classico $25
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
High toned on the nose and a bit beefy then smelling gorgeously of earth, herb and spicy red fruit. This opens on the round side of things in the mouth with slightly bricky tannins and tart acids supporting a core of rich and fairly powerful raspberry. The tannins turn more polished in the mouth and through the elegant finish which is rich with slightly astringent and tart red fruits.90pts
2011 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga $22
100% Sangiovese
Perfumed and floral on the nose, which is filled with aromas of spiced blueberries, minerals, and sweet leather notes. A touch soft, or rather fleshy in the mouth, this is rich with soft, ripe tannins that makes for a bit of a chewy mouthful. There’s plenty of bright cherry and slightly darker berry fruit on the palate that is nicely perfumed and shows fine persistence on the moderately long finish but this shows good power yet not great elegance. 89pts
2011 San Felice Chianti Classico $16
80% Sangiovese, 10% Colrino 10% Pugnitello
Classic smoky red fruits greet the nose framed with nuanced dried herbal and tree bark aromas. Sweet fruit, nicely spicy and with a twang floats across the palate showing off a very pretty and aromatic style. The red fruit, ripe but fresh and raspberry toned is punctuated by slightly rough tannins that show an edge of astringency on the moderately long finish. 88pts
2011 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico $18
95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot
Big aromas greet the nose all leathery at first then bright with fresh fruit, a hint of a refreshing herbs and a hint of sweet toasty wood spice. Lively on the palate, with power, cut and inner mouth perfumes, this is very strong with fine cherry fruit on the midpalate though it does fade a bit on the finish. fairly structured today, this has everything in place to age into a wonderful chianti classico, but it would benefit from another year in the bottle. 88pts
2012 Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico $22
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
Mineral and herb greet the nose followed by a little huckleberry over wild blackberry fruit but the dusty and mineral notes return to dominate the nose in a nuanced and attractive way Fairly big fruit in the mouth is a little chewy, a little short, tight and raw but with lovely purity of fruit and fine typicity. This definitely needs some time in the bottle but has everything in place to grow into a fine example of Chianti Classico that really wears its terroir on its sleeve. 87pts
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2012 Carpineto Chianti Classico $15
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo and other red grape varieties
Damp tobacco, earthy, and a bit funky come together on the nose which is decidedly not fruit driven but complex and nuanced. Big fruit underpinned by tannins are a bit hunky and inelegant fills the mouth on entry. Decidedly young and raw, this shows off a rather old school profile with leathery, dried fruit character and earthy spice dominating the palate and the modest finish. it’s not for everyone but a nice change of pace. 86pts
2012 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico $30
90% Sangiovese, 10% a blend of malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot
Sweetly oaked and vanila influenced on the nose, this show some attractive black cherry and blackcurrant fruit aromas. A bit slick in the mouth in a rich but simple style that is attractively fresh with a nice mineral edge that helps to add a bit of cut to the rather chunky fruit. 86pts
2011 Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico $25
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
Dark on the nose and a bit sweet smelling with a beautiful melange of frutti del bosco, woodland spices, and mineral aromas. A bit chunky in the mouth and rich with ripe cherry fruit, this lacks a bit of structure, turning soft on the palate which is a bit roasty and fudgy. that roasted fruit does show fine persistence on the long finish, but i would like to see more energy and freshness. 85pts
2011 Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico $22
100% Sangiovese
Smoky and earthy on the nose with rich aromas of potting soil and flowers with some spicy top notes. On entry this has some cabernet like power, dry and deep on the midpalate with black fruit and spicy flavors that offer nice textural cut but are abit anonymous. Blackcurrants on the slightly tannic finish which shows decent length. this is a good wine but not a terribly convincing Chianti Classico. 85pts
2011 Monteraponi Chianti Classico $25
95% sangiovese 5% Canaiolo
Deeply earthy and briary on the nose with lots of astringent red fruits and smoky top notes. There’s plenty of sweet fruit on the palate, all raspberry and strawberry toned, but the flavors are a little roasted with a hint of truffle accentuating the ripeness which also shows up on the soft finish. This is both a bit raw and too ripe on the palate, lacking harmony in the mouth that may never come. The fruit is verging on the exotic with rich, spicy undertones. 84pts
2012 Luiano Chianti Classico $10
90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Smoky, ashy, and a bit overtly woody on the nose with coy fruit. Tight and nervy in the mouth, this displays decent weight though with flavors that are simple and not very distinguished. the texture is attractive, and this is refreshingly austere on the finish so it may just be going through a closed phase but if the fruit doesn’t show up this is decidedly underwhelming. 83pts
2010 Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico $15
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
A bit flat on the nose showing off some old wood tones and a bit of spice character as well. Decidedly flat in the mouth with lots of candied medicinal and herbal flavors layered over dark black cherry fruit this is rather short and inelegant but not overtly offensive. 83pts
2011 San Vincenti Chianti Classico $22
100% Sangiovese
Dark, heavy, oily and tarry on the nose, this shows more interest in the mouth where it is all spicy and mineral on entry but turns heavy with fruit and large scaled in a raw, inelegant, tannic, tough, extracted way that leads to a bitter, hot finish. 78pts
2011 Casaloste Chianti Classico $20
90% Sangiovese, 10% merlot
A bit tight on the nose and frankly weird smelling of sweet oak and grape jelly. In the mouth one finds a wine that is both rich and thin. Soft and shapeless on the tongue, this is matte and has an extracted feel that is not entirely unappealing on a textural level but there is no depth, nuance, of distinct flavor either. This I do not like. 75pts
2011 Fontodi Chianti Classico $30
100% Sangiovese
Tea and tobacco emerge on the nose followed by extracted, heavy carob laced aromas of roasted fruit. Big, powerful, and inelegant in the mouth, this is all chunky and showing rich, roasted fruit with harsh tannins. Raw, unbalanced and surprisingly bad. tasted twice with similar results. 70pts
For me this is what Chianti is all about.
Classico: coming from the historic heart of the region.
No extended ageing. No Grand selection.
Chianti Classico had a stand are Prowein were one could taste trough probably 100 wines from over 60 producers both large and small. For a little more background on the Prowein event please check out Why You Should be going to Prowein.<http://www.snooth.com/articles/prowein-2014/>>Stands like this are a very compelling reason to go, and while I was not able to devote as much time as I may have wanted to Chianti during this visit, after all Chianti occupied maybe 3% of the acres of Italian wines being featured at Prowien, and Italian wines make up only a modest percentage of the toal number of wines on offer, I did manage to spend the better part of three hours investigating 18 Chianti Classicos followed by 12 of the New Gran Selezione wines.
I skipped all the Riservas, and in hindsight that may not have been the greatest plan, but time was short and I had pressing matters to think about. Like how long the Burger truck line was going to be.
But seriously, I was here, at the Chianti Classico stand with limited time and a pair of missions. First and foremost was to try and suss out some of the best values from all the wines on offer, and that generally means skipping the Riservas. The second goal in mind was to try the Gran Selezione wines to see how they stack up, and here is where not having a recent set of tasting impressions for the Riservas may have done me a disservice. Instead I was to compare these new wines with the basic Chianti Classicos, and as that turns out that may be a more difficult task.
These wines are the vanguard of Chianti, released relatively early and designed to showcase the fruit of Sangiovese, often blended with a litany of other grapes. Chianti may very well be one of the most improved wines on earth. from distant but still clear memories of shrill, acidic , and thin wines happy to carry the banner of one of Italy’s greatest wine regions we have finally arrived at a point where Chianti can rub shoulders with some of the best wines in the market today.
[PAGEBREAK]
Historically the Riservas got the lion’s share of attention, not so much because they were necessarily better wines, but rather because they were both a selection of the best lots and benefitted from additional ageing. that ageing had it’s drawbacks as well. To my palate Sangiovese is not a grape that is particularly predisposed to benefiting from extended ageing in barrel. easy to oxidise and rather delicate, the aromas, flavors, and texture of sangiovese seem to prefer time in the bottle to time in the barrel.
Today what is going in the bottle, even at the basic chianti Classico level, has never been better. these wines have complexity and depth, retain Sangiovese characteristically austere tannins and acidic snap on the palate while showing off a depth of fruit that vintners a few decades ago could only have dreamed about.
The vast majority of the wine tasted for this article were from the 2011 vintage, with a smattering of 2010s and 2012s included out of necessity. While perhaps not at the level of either the vintage that preceded it or the vintage that followed, 2011 is a fine vintage rich with fruit, from a rather warm year overall and a decidedly torrid August in particular that sped up the harvest and give some producers problems of balance. Fortunately even in August overnight low temperatures were in line with historical averages wso the grapes did retain balancing acidity. that acidity was vital in a vintage like 2011 where the grapes did suffer from dehydration, and in some cases sunburn as well leading to jammy and roasted flavors.
Due to the wet winter and rains that fell during the summer the vines were able to handle the heat fairly well, but it did speed up the harvest, which was about three weeks ahead of schedule and the poor, thin soils in the Chianti Classico region did tend to dry up and retain the heat of the day to a larger extent than those of surrounding regions. The results are certainly interesting, and in many cases with these Chianti Classicos quite attractive. These are wines that are built, after all, on fruit not nuance, and a vintage like 2011 can supply plenty of fruit.
Unfortunately many wines could only supply masses of fruit in 2011, and this lineup was, in the grand scheme of things, rather disappointing. The standouts were all delicious wines but I expected more from several of the producers. with 60 producers pouring at this stand I did have to pick and choose a bit, relying mostly on old favorites to taste from. Perhaps therein lies some of my disappointment. My expectations were high, and in all honesty I do love Chianti, but for all the wrong reasons when it comes to a vintage like 2011. I love Chianti for it’s light, fresh, zesty purity. Edgy little tannins, mouth watering acids. An affinity for food that is tough to beat. That’s my Chianti checklist, and only a handful of these wines checked all the boxes.
So what’s the takeaway from this? By choosy with your purchases of 2011 Tuscans. There were wines with unripe tannin, low acids, and roasted fruit, none of which i want in my cellar. On the flip side there were some pretty terrific wines as well, so my best advice is that you probably don't need these wines, but will be able to buy many at a discount once the vintage is broadly distributed. I was fortunate to taste these wines early in their lives, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see them for much of the coming year, but they will be coming eventually, though sandwiched as they are between 2010 and 2012 I don’t think they will find much of a market.
[PAGEBREAK]
2011 Querciabella Chianti Classico $35
100% Sangiovese
Spicy on the nose with a hint of wood adding detail to the raw if not aggressive perfumes of frutti del bosco flecked with hints of seeds and spice adding real complexity. This is downright opulent in the mouth and punching way above its weight class with richness, depth of fruit and a refined quality that makes this a real standout of the tasting. the fruit, pure, lively and spiced on the palate with wild red berry, red cherry, and astringent lingonberry notes is wrapped around subtle mineral and herbal nuances with fantastic length, power, and freshness on the finish. 92pts
2011 Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico $18
80% Sangiovese, 20% unspecified ‘complementary’ varieties
Wild yeast organic earthy, funky aromas greet the nose, though under all of that this really has a big, perfumed nose with great complexity. Edgy and wonderfully clear on the palate, this is awesome though it has some funk on the palate that will turn some people off. late arriving minerality explodes through the veil of sheer red fruits and leads to a long finish that shows real finesse and a fine edge of austerity to the tannins in the mouth. 91pts
2011 Dievole Chianti Classico $20
90% sangiovese, 10% complimentary red grape varieties
Rather explosive on the nose with superbly focused aromas of mineral, dried herbs, and smoky nuances all layered over a base of slightly jammy wild strawberry and lingonberry fruit. Perhaps a touch soft on entry, this then firms up with a fine astringent streak running through the cherry and strawberry fruited palate. In the mouth the fruit tannins built up showing great structure and compelling complexity that lingers through the long finish. This could use some more definition on the palate, which may come with time, but is already very good. 90pts
2011 Val delle Corti Chianti Classico $25
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
High toned on the nose and a bit beefy then smelling gorgeously of earth, herb and spicy red fruit. This opens on the round side of things in the mouth with slightly bricky tannins and tart acids supporting a core of rich and fairly powerful raspberry. The tannins turn more polished in the mouth and through the elegant finish which is rich with slightly astringent and tart red fruits.90pts
2011 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga $22
100% Sangiovese
Perfumed and floral on the nose, which is filled with aromas of spiced blueberries, minerals, and sweet leather notes. A touch soft, or rather fleshy in the mouth, this is rich with soft, ripe tannins that makes for a bit of a chewy mouthful. There’s plenty of bright cherry and slightly darker berry fruit on the palate that is nicely perfumed and shows fine persistence on the moderately long finish but this shows good power yet not great elegance. 89pts
2011 San Felice Chianti Classico $16
80% Sangiovese, 10% Colrino 10% Pugnitello
Classic smoky red fruits greet the nose framed with nuanced dried herbal and tree bark aromas. Sweet fruit, nicely spicy and with a twang floats across the palate showing off a very pretty and aromatic style. The red fruit, ripe but fresh and raspberry toned is punctuated by slightly rough tannins that show an edge of astringency on the moderately long finish. 88pts
2011 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico $18
95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot
Big aromas greet the nose all leathery at first then bright with fresh fruit, a hint of a refreshing herbs and a hint of sweet toasty wood spice. Lively on the palate, with power, cut and inner mouth perfumes, this is very strong with fine cherry fruit on the midpalate though it does fade a bit on the finish. fairly structured today, this has everything in place to age into a wonderful chianti classico, but it would benefit from another year in the bottle. 88pts
2012 Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico $22
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
Mineral and herb greet the nose followed by a little huckleberry over wild blackberry fruit but the dusty and mineral notes return to dominate the nose in a nuanced and attractive way Fairly big fruit in the mouth is a little chewy, a little short, tight and raw but with lovely purity of fruit and fine typicity. This definitely needs some time in the bottle but has everything in place to grow into a fine example of Chianti Classico that really wears its terroir on its sleeve. 87pts
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2012 Carpineto Chianti Classico $15
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo and other red grape varieties
Damp tobacco, earthy, and a bit funky come together on the nose which is decidedly not fruit driven but complex and nuanced. Big fruit underpinned by tannins are a bit hunky and inelegant fills the mouth on entry. Decidedly young and raw, this shows off a rather old school profile with leathery, dried fruit character and earthy spice dominating the palate and the modest finish. it’s not for everyone but a nice change of pace. 86pts
2012 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico $30
90% Sangiovese, 10% a blend of malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot
Sweetly oaked and vanila influenced on the nose, this show some attractive black cherry and blackcurrant fruit aromas. A bit slick in the mouth in a rich but simple style that is attractively fresh with a nice mineral edge that helps to add a bit of cut to the rather chunky fruit. 86pts
2011 Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico $25
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
Dark on the nose and a bit sweet smelling with a beautiful melange of frutti del bosco, woodland spices, and mineral aromas. A bit chunky in the mouth and rich with ripe cherry fruit, this lacks a bit of structure, turning soft on the palate which is a bit roasty and fudgy. that roasted fruit does show fine persistence on the long finish, but i would like to see more energy and freshness. 85pts
2011 Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico $22
100% Sangiovese
Smoky and earthy on the nose with rich aromas of potting soil and flowers with some spicy top notes. On entry this has some cabernet like power, dry and deep on the midpalate with black fruit and spicy flavors that offer nice textural cut but are abit anonymous. Blackcurrants on the slightly tannic finish which shows decent length. this is a good wine but not a terribly convincing Chianti Classico. 85pts
2011 Monteraponi Chianti Classico $25
95% sangiovese 5% Canaiolo
Deeply earthy and briary on the nose with lots of astringent red fruits and smoky top notes. There’s plenty of sweet fruit on the palate, all raspberry and strawberry toned, but the flavors are a little roasted with a hint of truffle accentuating the ripeness which also shows up on the soft finish. This is both a bit raw and too ripe on the palate, lacking harmony in the mouth that may never come. The fruit is verging on the exotic with rich, spicy undertones. 84pts
2012 Luiano Chianti Classico $10
90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Smoky, ashy, and a bit overtly woody on the nose with coy fruit. Tight and nervy in the mouth, this displays decent weight though with flavors that are simple and not very distinguished. the texture is attractive, and this is refreshingly austere on the finish so it may just be going through a closed phase but if the fruit doesn’t show up this is decidedly underwhelming. 83pts
2010 Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico $15
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
A bit flat on the nose showing off some old wood tones and a bit of spice character as well. Decidedly flat in the mouth with lots of candied medicinal and herbal flavors layered over dark black cherry fruit this is rather short and inelegant but not overtly offensive. 83pts
2011 San Vincenti Chianti Classico $22
100% Sangiovese
Dark, heavy, oily and tarry on the nose, this shows more interest in the mouth where it is all spicy and mineral on entry but turns heavy with fruit and large scaled in a raw, inelegant, tannic, tough, extracted way that leads to a bitter, hot finish. 78pts
2011 Casaloste Chianti Classico $20
90% Sangiovese, 10% merlot
A bit tight on the nose and frankly weird smelling of sweet oak and grape jelly. In the mouth one finds a wine that is both rich and thin. Soft and shapeless on the tongue, this is matte and has an extracted feel that is not entirely unappealing on a textural level but there is no depth, nuance, of distinct flavor either. This I do not like. 75pts
2011 Fontodi Chianti Classico $30
100% Sangiovese
Tea and tobacco emerge on the nose followed by extracted, heavy carob laced aromas of roasted fruit. Big, powerful, and inelegant in the mouth, this is all chunky and showing rich, roasted fruit with harsh tannins. Raw, unbalanced and surprisingly bad. tasted twice with similar results. 70pts