Chianti Classico Tasting at PRIMA

This event was attended by Victor, Duane, and Errol. Oh, where were the boys? With John on a leash, Brian in the UK, and Doug MIA, it was a tuscan triumvirate. Victor graciously agreed to bring the wines, and thus I knew we'd be in for a treat. Growing up I had always seen my parents drinking wicker basket Chianti. In fact it was their go to wine in the day. I had been staying away from Chianti for some while now due to lackluster experiences, and general ignorance.

• 2001 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala 94 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  nose - leather (per victor) and after he said it i started to get it, a sweet leather, a sweet tar
  mouth - very open and delicious, plums, cherries, hint of orange rind, elegance and fine tannins. drinking great as we speak. perhaps the finest chianti i have ever tasted in my limited experience.

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• 2003 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  nose - sweet oak, cranberry
  mouth - licorice, fruit punch, full bodied, seems a bit disjointed. good potential. i think this needs five more years.

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• 2001 Cafaggio Villa Cafaggio San Martino Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  nose - plum, violet
  mouth - great minerality, coffee, licorice, dark fruit. tasted alongside the Volpaia 2001 Coltassala Chinati Classico Riserva. I found this to be more masculine. It still has many years of life in it.

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Clearly this event serves as a reboot for my relationship with Chianti. The 2001 Volpaia had me thinking about it later in the night, and even here and there the next day - the sign of a fine wine indeed. I searched the web, but as expected its not readily available. So in the meantime I will have to keep me eyes peeled for quality aged Chianti, and start cellaring my own. Thanks again to victor for providing the wines and expanding horizons.