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Querciabella 2018 Chianti Classico

Absolutely singing from first drop to last. Mid-weight finesse takes shape in the form of red fruit-dark fruit mélange with violet, thyme, sandalwood and earth. Pretty, moreish with come-hither perfume, buoyant acidity and silky tannins. Marvellous focus and freshness. A sangiovese lover's dream (sic). What a difference a year in the cellar makes. — ★★★★

Appellation: Chianti Classico Region: Chianti, Toscana, Italy Subzone: Greve, Radda and Gaiole Cépage: 100% Sangiovese Abv: 14.5% Production: 150,000 Élevage: 12 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux (10% new), 3 in bottle Distributor: Asiaeuro

Critic Reviews:

The 2018 Chianti Classico is classy, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Like so many wines in 2018, the Chianti Classico is aromatic and gracious in feel, more finesse than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright Sangiovese fruit. From start to finish, the 2018 is all class. Drink: 2022–2033. Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 09/2020) 93

Querciabella Chianti Classico 2018 is fine and expressive on the nose: really focused cherry and plum fruit with fine green notes and lovely aromas. The palate is supremely fresh and balanced with lovely focus to the fresh, elegant red berry fruits, as well as nice herby, slightly spicy complexity. Really bright and expressive. Jamie Goode (Wineanorak.com) 95

This red shows some depth to the black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. There is a hint of tar, and the firm structure is well-integrated. Drink now through 2032. Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator, 06/2021) 90

Luscious, juicy fruit on the palate and silky tannins that make their mark. Beautiful balance and elegant and concentrated at the same time. Amazing length and focus. Walter Speller (Jancis Robinson) 17.5

Sweet wood nuances lead with cinnamon, clove and a touch of vanilla eventually ceding to wild cherry and wet soil. On the palate, forest berries are laced with chocolate. The fruit is concentrated and plush with ripe, powdery tannins giving effortless support. This is its usual sophisticated and polished self, with lots of juiciness. Yields are a low 30 hl/ha and ageing is in a combination of French oak tonneaux and barriques, 10% new. Give this another year for the wood to integrate. Michaela Morris (Decanter, 03/2021) 91

This wine combines fruit from high-elevation vineyards on three soil types (predominantly sandstone, galestro and limestone) to give flavors of pure red cherry laced with soft notes of tobacco and herbs. Scents of pink petals add lift, and the wine stays integrated through a fresh, vibrant finish. Stephanie Johnson (Wine & Spirits, 04/2021) 92

Remains 100 per cent sangiovese, as it has been since 2012, as a three-commune collection; Ruffoli in Greve (40 per cent), on the Volpaia side and across the valley to Radda (20) and San Polo in Rosso from Gaiole (20), across the ravine from Ama. The totality of the Gaiole fruit is raised on Alberese, the Radda in schisty Galestro and Ruffoli, well Ruffoli is really about elevation. A no extremities vintage following a very cold winter and no climate spikes save for the early August heat. The Querciabella richness is foiled but also optimized by a three-part mineral harmony that does not so much cut but adds three district notes to the wine. The epiphany may or not begin with this 2018 but the textural perception has undergone a transformational alteration, now in defence against the drying effect of sangiovese’s tannin. The winemaking team has moved forward from the experimental stage into a full-on working contract with Piedmontese cappello sommerso, keeping the cap submerged for extended periods (up to 45 days). The high elevation fruit is particularly promising, forging true connectivity with the process. You get it completely, intuit the polish and this Annata just melts straight into inherit structure, again with thanks for a portion that has settled early. The wheel is constantly turning for Querciabella’s wines. Stupendo. Drink 2022-2032. Michael Godel (Wine Align, 05/2021) 94

#wine #red #italy #toscana #chianti classico #greve #radda #gaiole #querciabella #sangiovese #2018 #wine review

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Istine 2018 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine

Disarmingly inviting and fragrant. Red fruit, blackcurrant, fresh roses, damp earth and Chinese herbal tea notes wow the senses, followed by an orange peel fade-out. Striking fruit purity and brilliant acidity—by virtue of northwest exposure and the wild western hills of Radda no less—speak of high-elevation elegance not unlike an ethereal Lamole but with stealthy dimensions and some 'baby fat' to shed. Deft 'new wave' Chianti Classico at its finest, winemaker Angela Fronti could do no wrong. — ★★★★

Appellation: Chianti Classico Region: Chianti, Toscana, Italy Subzone: Radda Cépage: 100% Sangiovese Abv: 13.5% Production: 3,500 Élevage: 12 months in 20-30hl Slavonian oak casks, 12 in bottle Distributor: Vintry

Critic Reviews:

The 2018 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine is fabulous. Dark cherry, spice, leather and tobacco are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. The 2018 is distinguished by its creamy personality and breadth. Readers will find a striking Chianti Classico that embodies all of the energy and translucence of Radda. Drink 2022–2038. Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 09/2020) 94

Enticingly fragrant, this radiant red opens with alluring aromas of iris, perfumed berry, eucalyptus and underbrush. Racy and loaded with youthful tension, the linear palate delivers crushed raspberry, morello cherry, blood orange and licorice while tight, refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the framework. Drink 2022–2033. Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast, 11/2020) 95

Cherry pie, strawberry preserves and floral aromas and flavors highlight this graceful red, which is harmonious and delicious now, yet should develop over the next decade or so. Fine length. Drink now through 2035. 280 cases made, 150 cases imported. Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator, 08/2021) 94

#wine #red #italy #toscana #chianti classico #radda #istine #sangiovese #2018 #wine review

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Giovanni Rosso 2019 Etna Rosso

Invitingly floral and fragrant, with hibiscus, small red berries, raspberry, orange peel and iron minerals. Linear and delicate throughout, gentle refined tannins and warm loam make a late cameo to extend the saline finish. Tannins just bite differently here, not to mention a subtler take on Etna's signature smoke and crisp fruit. Often penalized for a perceived lack of 'gravitas', it's just one man's poison. Terrific nebbiolo in disguise. — ★★★★

Appellation: Etna Rosso Region: Etna, Sicilia, Italy Subzone: Contrada Montedolce Cépage: 100% Nerello Mascalese Abv: 13.5% Production: 20,000 Élevage: 15 months in 5-50hl French oak barrels Distributor: Tong Woh

Critic Reviews:

Beautiful jewel-like ruby colour, vibrant and expressive, this is just so moreish, with a beautiful grip that holds the sour cherry and fresh raspberry fruits in place. Gentle tannins also, with a subtle intensity. Excellent quality, this is one to shout about and share with friends. A perfect wine for the heat of summer, it has sweetness on the nose but finishes extremely dry with a refreshing signoff. Got to be the best value wine in the September Releases, and shows just what an exciting category Etna Rosso is right now. A 6.5ha estate on the northern slopes of Etna sat at 750m, winemaker Andrea Delpiano is based in Piedmont, but is in Sicily every month. A must buy. Drink: 2023-2032. Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux, 08/2022) 95

This elegant red draws you into the glass with enticing hints of pine, rose and anise on the nose, where a streak of tarry mineral underscores ripe cherry and wild strawberry fruit, orange peel and tea leaf notes. Fresh and juicy, with fine, firm tannins that emerge on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2032. 3,310 cases made, 500 cases imported. Alison Napjus (Wine Spectator, 10/2022) 93

Gorgeous salted, sour cherry notes on the nose with touches of iron filings. Vibrant and lifted, this has a lovely delicacy to it, smooth and almost light in terms of overall weight but with a piercing density of flavour that fills the mouth and drives to the finish. I love the slightly sour element and touch of iron you get on the tongue too. Excellent detail and precision, clarity and sense of minerality alongside hints of raspberry, violet and white pepper. Lovely control here, letting the terroir shine through. Excellent expression, great value and such a pleasure to drink. Drink: 2022-2032. Georgina Hindle (Decanter, 07/2022) 94

The Giovanni Rosso 2019 Etna Rosso reveals concentrated fruit and some extra ripeness with dried cherry, blackberry and oak toast. That full-bodied style and the fruit weight is characteristic of the vintage; however, it also suggests a near or medium-term drinking window. The wine remains accessible and very fruity. Drink: 2023-2030. Monica Larner (Wine Spectator, 06/2023) 92

#wine #red #italy #sicilia #etna #nerello mascalese #giovanni rosso #etna rosso #2019 #wine review

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ArPePe 2016 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Rocce Rosse

A sensual delight, with cranberry, raspberry, fresh roses, balsamic, iron minerality and camphor teasing the senses. All about finezza and freschezza. Ethereal, unhurried yet persistent till the end, with quiet authority and depth in flavour that defy such finely-sculpted frame. One for the ages, and cellar, if the divine '01 is anything to go by. Transcendent. — ★★★★

Appellation: Valtellina Superiore Riserva Region: Lombardia, Italy Subzone: Sassella Cépage: 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) Abv: 13% Production: 25,302 Élevage: 97 days of maceration in 50hl wooden vats, 34 months in 50hl casks, 14 in stainless steel and cement tank, 24 in bottle Distributor: Vintry

Critic Reviews:

Magnificent perfume here. From nose to tail, this wine has it all. So finely wrought, with impeccable balance, dried flowers, raspberry and cherry, all the spice, extreme ‘mineral’ character to acidity and tightly wound tannin, such tension and freshness, with a superb long finish. Quiet succulence. Extraordinary. Gary Walsh (Wine Advocate, 10/2023) 97

#wine #red #italy #lombardia #valtellina #sassella #chiavennasca #nebbiolo #arpepe #rocce rosse #2016 #wine review

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Ten Minutes by Tractor 2016 Estate Pinot Noir

Enticing bouquet offers strawberry, rose, sous bois and dried leaves. Sanguine and savoury, soy sauce and amaro set the early tone for a palate seemingly fruit-challenged. Quite Valtellinese. Rediscovers fruit vigour in the next pour, with sour plum, blackberry and orange zest joining the red fruit core alongside creamy oak imprint and silky tannins. A smooth operator, and a winner. — ★★★½

Appellation: Mornington Peninsula Region: Victoria, Australia Cépage: 100% Pinot Noir Abv: 13.5% Production: n/a Élevage: 12 months in French oak barriques, 21% new Distributor: n/a

Critic review:

The price of this wine always makes me pause, but I very much like the wine in the glass. Which is the main thing. You can go this now, you can go this later. It’s pretty and slippery-smooth but the line of acidity, overall balance and strictness of the tannin makes you think that it will mature well, at least into the medium term. Undergrowth, sweet spices, noticeable smoky/cedary/creamy oak and a flush go sweet cherry-like flavour. Perhaps some chicory notes too. It’s eager-to-please but it doesn’t lack either presence or length. Drink: 2018-2024 Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front, 02/2018) 93

#wine #red #australia #victoria #mornington peninsula #ten minutes by tractor #pinot noir #2016 #wine review

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Tenuta Cappellina 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva

Old school nose with a barnyard top note feels like greetings from an old friend. Jam-packed with dark cherry and plum, followed by leather, incense, violet and roast coffee. Shows good intensity, some oak influence and a rustic touch on finish. Fruity, hearty and dusty, like a Riserva should be. Diminishing returns apply, should easily elevate your red sauce pasta though. Solid. — ★★★

Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva Region: Chianti, Toscana, Italy Subzone: Vagliali Cépage: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo Abv: 14% Production: n/a Élevage: 24 months in Slavonian oak botti and neutral barriques Distributor: Verona Wines

Critic review:

Aromas of ripe black plum, mocha and cedar lead the way. The solid palate offers blackberry jam, clove and sage alongside dusty tannins. Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast, 05/22) 89

#wine #red #italy #toscana #chianti classico riserva #vagliali #tenuta cappellina #sangiovese #canaiolo #2016 #wine review

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Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio all’Oro

Hot on the heels of ’18 annata, this riserva amps it up in the depth and definition department. Lovely aromatics after much swirling. Black cherry, licorice, leather, violet, forest floor and coffee notes fill the concentrated sweet core afforded by high-wire equilibrium between plump fruit, firm fine-grained tannins and surprisingly vivid acidity. Packs a punch but it's the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, albeit a tightly-wound one. Stately. — ★★★★

Appellation: Toscana Region: Montalcino, Toscana, Italy Subzone: Sant'Angelo in Scalo Cépage: 100% Sangiovese Grosso Abv: 14.5% Production: 27,000 Élevage: 70% in 60-90hl French oak casks, 30% in barriques for 3.5 years Distributor: Asiaeuro

#wine #red #italy #toscana #brunello di montalcino #brunello di montalcino riserva #sant'angelo in scalo #banfi #sangiovese #sangiovese grosso #2015 #wine review

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Banfi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino

Whiff of sangiovese funk is quick to show what SummuS is missing. Full-bodied and round. Black cherry, plum, leather, sandalwood and damp earth notes flesh out the pretty violet theme, with polished tannins and glycerol texture typifying sophistication one associates with brunello, the richness (15% abv) of which is tempered by quite a bit of minty freshness here. Youthful harmony. To many, the brunello which spreads the gospel. — ★★★½

Appellation: Toscana Region: Montalcino, Toscana, Italy Subzone: Sant'Angelo in Scalo Cépage: 100% Sangiovese Grosso Abv: 15% Production: 450,000 Élevage: 80% in 60-90hl French oak casks, 20% in barriques for 2 years Distributor: Asiaeuro

#wine #red #italy #toscana #brunello di montalcino #sant'angelo in scalo #banfi #sangiovese #sangiovese grosso #2018 #wine review

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Banfi 2018 SummuS

Expect nothing less than a luxurious spread of blackberry, cassis and chocolatey goodness, laced with tobacco, hints of bell pepper and vanilla. Opulent and velvety on palate, a complicated vintage results in restrained power. Sangiovese goes AWOL though. — ★★★

Appellation: Toscana Region: Montalcino, Toscana, Italy Cépage: 40% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvingon, 25% Syrah Abv: 14.5% Production: 40,000 Élevage: Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels of 60-90hl, other varieties in 350l barriques for 18-24 months Distributor: Asiaeuro

#wine #red #italy #toscana #banfi #sangiovese #cabernet sauvignon #syrah #supertuscan #2018 #wine review

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Orlando Abrigo 2019 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore

Dried strawberry, raspberry, potpourri, iodine, cola spice and tar notes grace this fresh, lithe red following an initial bout of petrichor. Whispers in tones similar to those across the Tanaro, but more ethereal. Tensile body and late polite tannins lend this deceptively upbeat Roero a measure of composure. A peach of a nebbiolo in its peer group, ready to dazzle in short notice. — ★★★½

Appellation: Nebbiolo d'Alba Region: Roero, Piemonte, Italy Subzone: Valmaggiore Cépage: 100% Nebbiolo (Lampia) Abv: 14.5% Production: 13,000 Élevage: 12 months in 25hl oak cask Distributor: Verona Wines

#wine #red #italy #piemonte #roero #valmaggiore #nebbiolo d'alba #orlando abrigo #nebbiolo #2019 #wine review

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Fattoria Fibbiano 2016 Ciliegiolo

Bursting with red cherry, raspberry, preserved mandarin peel, subtle leather, Mediterranean herbs and shrubs. Tantalizingly tangy and savoury, peaking now with all-conquering acidity and gentle grainy tannins, not unlike aged sangiovese. Engaging from start to finish, just succumb to its come-hither allure. Time on cement must have brought out the fruit's dark side and grip in its youth, traces of which remain, while neutral Slavonian botti conferred mid-weight finesse. Impressive solo act.

Colline Pisane, Toscana, Italy; 100% ciliegiolo; 14% abv.

Stockists  RM149 Wine Bros

Distributor  In Vino Veritas

Critic Reviews

Savory and bright, this delicious red offers aromas of red woodland berry, damp earth, new leather and dark spice. Made with native grape Ciliegiolo, the juicy, structured palate doles out succulent red cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and the merest hint of tangy saline. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity lend balance and just enough tension. Drink through 2022. Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast, 04/2019) 93

#wine #red #italy #toscana #colline pisane #fattoria fibbiano #ciliegiolo #2016 #wine review

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Poggio Argentiera 2020 Morellino di Scansano Bellamarsilia

Blackberries and violet galore, with a spicy, peppery lift. No barnyard. Fresh and succulent, at times pulpy. Slightly hollow midpalate redeemed by surreptitious tannins which lend an austere, albeit welcomed finishing touch. A perky, no-frills sangiovese from coastal Maremma for your easy-drinking needs, like when you let your hair down. Or put your feet up.

Scansano, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy; 100% sangiovese; 13.5% abv.

Stockists  Verona Wines

Distributor  Verona Wines

Critic Reviews

#wine #red #italy #toscana #morellino di scansano #maremma #poggio argentiera #bellamarsilia #sangiovese #2020 #wine review

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San Felice 2019 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva

Black cherry, violet, tobacco, leather and coffee notes emerge slowly alongside whiffs of grilled rosemary and barnyard. Shy, stuttering now. Ripe dark fruit reigns over umami-infused palate bolstered by Castelnuovo concentration and dusty tannins. Sound acidity keeps it juicy rather than fleshy. Solid value and potential for the price, Hopkins's Hannibal would approve. After all, this Chianti was his blink-and-you-miss-it pick in 2001's sequel.

Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy; 100% sangiovese; 13.5% abv; aged 24 months, 80% in 60-90hl Slavonian oak casks, 20% in French barriques.

Stockists  Tong Woh

Distributor  Luen Heng

Critic Reviews

This has an initially shy nose that slowly reveals whiffs of camphor, underbrush, coconut and pipe tobacco. The tight, linear palate offers dried cherry, steeped prune, licorice and powdered sage alongside dusty, drying tannins. Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast, 05/2022) 90

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice is vibrant, fleshy and super-expressive. Bright acids lend brightness as this mid-weight, translucent Riserva opens in the glass. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon, leather and rose petal are nicely layered. The 2019 is not a big Riserva, but it is elegant and impeccable in its balance. Drink 2022-2029. Antonio Galloni (Vinous Media, 07/2022) 90

This is a terrific value. Showing a lively but saturated ruby color, the San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio offers a flurry of aromas, including red fruit, dried cherry, grilled rosemary, crushed stone and wet brick. The wine is all Sangiovese, although a pinch of Pugnitello is used in some vintages, with only the best berries selected by an optical sorter. The wine's label features artwork by Tiziano (the painter also known as Titian), featuring a heroic figure that brought military victory to Siena. This vintage is especially vertical and forthcoming compared to past editions. Drink 2022-2028. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate, 02/2023) 93

This juicy red revolves around a cherry core, with accents of earth, mint, stone and tobacco. Balanced, needing another couple of years to hit its stride. Best from 2024 through 2038. 26,600 cases made, 6,100 cases imported. Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator, 06/2022) 92

Moving into a more serious realm, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio is flush with savory black licorice, fresh leather, and kirsch. It has impeccable balance and length between its concentrated core of sweet fruit, with ripe tannins, warming spice, and notes of blood orange, cherry compote, and cedar. This fantastic release from San Felice casts a net for lovers of classic and more modern sensibilities alike at a great price. Drink 2024-2036. Jeb Dunnuck (Jeb Dunnuck, 01/2023) 93

#wine #red #italy #toscana #chianti classico #castelnuovo berardenga #san felice #il grigio #sangiovese #2019 #wine review

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Orlando Abrigo 2018 Barbaresco Meruzzano

Classic tar and roses, clove, menthol ointment and potting soil aside, this aromatic, red fruit-driven Barbaresco has traded playfulness for complexity and composure over the past seven months, adding quite a bit of tension and tannic traction to its velvet fabric. Bodes well for near future, though already very tempting. Good value find from lesser known, humongous MeGA in Treiso.

Meruzzano, Treiso, Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy; 100% nebbiolo; 14.5% abv; aged 15-20 months in 20% new French tonneaux.

Stockists  Verona Wines

Distributor  Verona Wines

Critic Reviews

The 2018 Barbaresco Meruzzano is bright, aromatic and beautifully lifted. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, mint, blood orange and cinnamon give the Meruzzano a super-appealing upper register. This mid-weight yet fleshy, layered Barbaresco is a real charmer. It will be even better with a few more years in bottle. Drinking window: 2023-2033. Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 02/2022) 93

Remarkably deep red colour. Slightly monolithic currently, with a tougher set of aromas and flavours that only hint at red fruit, camphor and spices. Finsihes long and vibrant but this needs a little time in a good cellar to have it hopefully develop a little more flesh. Drinking window: 2026-2036. Ian d'Agata (Terroir Sense, 07/2023) 91

#wine #red #italy #piemonte #barbaresco #meruzzano #nebbiolo #orlando abrigo #2018 #wine review

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Librandi 2019 Cirò Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice

Super inviting perfume. Rose hip, hibiscus, raspberry, red berries, flint and spice notes race out of the glass with such unbridled exuberance, more so with a light chill. Unoaked, suits this svelte, brisk red just fine, with delicate tannins lurking but no hard edges. Glad that it didn't try to be "overly" important for important's sake. Seriously onto something here. Call it counter-intuitive, I can totally picture knocking back this red while kicking back on the Ionian coast.

Cirò, Calabria, Italy; 100% gaglioppo; 14% abv.

Distributor  Verona Wines

Critic Reviews

A balanced, medium-bodied red, with minerally stone and smoke underscoring a fresh mix of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, delicate tobacco and spice notes. Drink now. 7,500 cases made. Alison Napjus (Wine Spectator, 12/2022) 88

The nose displays zesty red fruits of immediate charm. There is evident ripeness here, and a supple texture with no astringency. For Gaglioppo this is elegant and concentrated, and the long finish is lifted by good acidity. Decanter (Decanter, 11/2022) 91

#wine #red #italy #calabria #ciro classico superiore riserva #ciro #librandi #gaglioppo #2019 #wine review

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Mt Difficulty 2012 Long Gully Pinot Noir

Mature and virile. Belts out red fruit, orange zest, truffle and damp forest floor notes, harmonized by lovely herbaceous tone sans overt sweet brown spice typical in many a youthful Central Otago pinot. At a silky, sumptuous sweet spot approaching the onset of red bean soup phase. Shares a similar thread with elegantly aged '06 Bannockburn into which declassified Long Gully grapes went (if fond memory serves me right), tasted with ex-winemaker Matt Dicey aeons ago. On point.

Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand; 100% pinot noir; 14% abv.

Distributor  JJ Retail

Critic Reviews

Fresh, vivid, rich and pure with bright, supple fruit and silky, spicy tannic structure. Lovely freshness and fine spiciness. Precise and bright, a lovely wine. Jamie Goode (wineanorak.com, 02/2014) 94

Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2012 Long Gully Pinot Noir has lovely black berry, black cherry and wild blueberry notes with hints of pepper, dark chocolate, anise and cloves. Medium to full-bodied with a great core of black fruits and firm, chewy tannins, it has just enough acid and finishes long and earthy. Drink: 2014-2017 Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate, 12/2014) 92

Very full, even, vibrant dark-red colour. This has a very full nose with a dense core of earthy red cherry and berry fruits. There are complex nuances of oak, dried herbs and oak, with nutty, slightly resinous and mineral detail. Medium-full bodied and elegant in size, rich, juicy and sweet fruit flavours unfold spice and dried herb elements with hints of earth and spices. There is good vinosity to the core. The fruit lusciousness is enhanced by good levels of acidity and the palate line underscored by fine background extract and tannin. This features sweet and linear fruit drive with freshness. Complexing earthy detail and subtle herb and oak interest will grow over the next 5-7 years. Raymond Chan (Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 01/2014) 18.5

#wine #red #new zealand #central otago #bannockburn #mt difficulty #long gully #pinot noir #2012 #wine review

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Isole e Olena 2013 Chianti Classico

Radiant and piquant, with cherry, blackberry, old leather and pronounced orange peel alongside hints of truffle and roasted coffee. Glides with graceful fluidity, propelled by bright acidity, unhindered by soothing tannins. Slightly delicate in frame but immensely rewarding at its zenith. Held up better, a superior vintage to '12. Aged Chianti Classico is always a win.

San Donato in Poggio, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy; 80% sangiovese, 15% canaiolo, 5% syrah; 13.5% abv..

Stockists  Tong Woh

Distributor  Tong Woh

Critic Reviews

You'll find aromas of underbrush, clove, red berry, blue flower and a whiff of toast on this elegant expression of the 2013 vintage. The bright, sleek palate delivers juicy wild cherry, ground pepper and coffee alongside fresh acidity and polished, fine-grained tannins. Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast, 06/2016) 90

The 2013 Chianti Classico brings together the fresh aromatics of a cool year along with lovely mid-palate pliancy. The flavors are bright, high-toned and decidedly leaning towards the red-fruit end of the spectrum. Crushed flowers, herbs and anise grace the soft, aromatic finish. The overall impression is of lovely mid-palate juiciness, even if the technical stats suggest a lighter-bodied wine. That is why wine can never be measured by numbers alone. Rain in September decimated the Syrah harvest. The little bit that was salvaged was used in the Chianti Classico. Antonio Galloni (Vinous Media, 09/2015) 90

The 2013 Chianti Classico wears oversized aromas of dark fruit and cherry that suit the wine very nicely. This is an outwardly generous and beautifully intense wine that mirrors all the high qualities of this celebrated vintage. Red fruit notes of cherry and cassis are woven within a greater context that sees crushed mineral and spice. The growing season was slow and steady leading to perfectly ripe fruit. Isole e Olena adds a bit of Canaiolo to the Sangiovese and those deep, dark fruit elements of the added grape come out strongly in this vintage. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate, 10/2015) 90

Cask sample. Pale crimson. Ripe fresh strawberry nose. Truly elegant and juicy and with proper chewy tannins on the finish. Ready now. Walter Speller (jancisrobinson.com, 03/2015) 17

#wine #red #italy #toscana #chianti classico #barberino val'elsa #san donato in poggio #isole e olena #sangiovese #canaiolo #2013 #wine review