January 4, 2016 - Remarkably dark, almost opaque black cherry color. Somewhat restrained nose that shows that slightly darker-toned aroma profile of Montevertine, but lacking all that sweetness which was so evident in the vintages that followed. The nose is pure and fresh with aromas of red berries, sour cherries and crunchy – not that sweet – dark cherries with some earthy spice tones. The wine is very dry, fresh and savory on the palate with moderately full body, balanced high acidity and rather pronounced, firm but not angular tannins. The fruit feels ripe, but intense instead of sweet, showing flavors of juicy dark berries, dark cherries, roasted Moroccan spices, some fresh red forest berries, a little smoke and a hint of aged, slightly raisined dark fruit. The wine leaves a long, spicy and crunchy finish with some astringent, tannic grip and bright flavors of plummy dark fruit, tart cranberry, some Middle-Eastern spice and a hint of sour cherry.
This vintage shows exactly those characteristics I look for in a Chianti Classico: sour cherry, spice, intense structure of acidity and firm tannins, great finesse and no distracting sweetness. This is a wine that still, at almost 8 years of age, shows good potential for further cellaring – yet also starting to drink very nicely as well. Seeing how this one feels much more serious, leaner and less sweet than the younger Pian del Ciampolo vintages, this is definitely a food wine. No hurry to open this one now, but if you do, let it breathe for a while. A terrific example how the best vintages of Pian del Ciampolo can be actually quite ageworthy and truly worth the buck.
November 5, 2014 - Che meraviglia. Vino dalla beva compulsiva
March 17, 2014 - Pretty much the same like last year. Very classical, slightly more present acid, anyway I really like this CHIANTI style ...
March 4, 2013 - The colour of the Pian del Ciampolo was semi-dark red, looked a bit bloody, refreshingly transparent, had no discolourations or obvious particle-impact. The overall composition shined with its radiant and fresh qualities.
Right from the start the nose showed precise and lovable Sangiovese fragrances. The fruit of tart dark cherries and cranberries seemed astoundingly clear, fresh, full of finesse, but maybe not that highly elegant. One or two “Tuscan-Framer-Breaking-Wind-Situations” hid behind the close to seductiveness fruit. Don’t be afraid! This slight stinker seemed absolutely adequate and definitely not dominating. Besides all that I sensed additional fragrances of a few dark olives, mild smoke (perhaps plus some smoked ham) and local spices. I have to confess, the nose wasn’t shockingly complex or dense. However, it understood to convince me with its very straight and “flawless” style.
Clarity, lightness, unobtrusiveness, leanness, freshness and finesse might be the correct attributes to describe the taste of the Pian del Ciampolo. The flavour pattern was more or less congruent. Dark cherries, lively cranberries, spice and hints of restrain earthy components. The very well balanced acid and a close to marvelousness dinking condition did the rest. As already mentioned the Pian wasn’t an astoundingly complex or super complicated wine with infinite depth. The composition of introverted or serene fruit, tartness, unstoppable flow, clarity and lightness made this wine to a memorable, pronounced and a very decent working day wine experience with class. Far more Chianti than most Chiantis. Loved it!
February 3, 2013 - Light and fresh. Crisp. Had with NY Strips, green beans and potatoes. THis wind drinks well right now.
October 31, 2012 - This is exceptional. High-toned cherries, forest floor, a little bit of sweet, sweet leather. Perfect traditional Sangiovese, with a touch of age. My lord, I wish I had bought more of these on release.
September 26, 2012 - Bellissio vino. Da berne a secchi. Rubino con riflessi porpora. Bel naso di frutti rossi, terra bagnata; di medio corpo, bocca dai tannini finissimo sostenuto da una bella spina acida. Bel finale lungo di ribes rosso
August 26, 2012 - Not very complex. Good table drinking wine. Mostly sangiovese and it tastes so. We did not decant. Right from cellar to table. Had with a salad of arugula, steak, blue cheese and red wine vinegar dressing, shitake mushrooms. Wine was very pleasant, fruity, some nose. Quick to end on the tongue.
May 13, 2012 - Solid good drinking wine
August 11, 2011 - A beautifully clean, smooth and balanced example of a traditional style Chianti, even if the wine is not labeled as a Chianti. This may not have the depth of the Montevertine or Le Pergole Torte, but it is nonetheless offers a peek into the potential at exceptional value.