Dyp rød. Deilige modne mørke kirsebær med bitter kirsebærstein i avslutningen. Trenger litt luft for å åpne seg. Det ga flott kompleksitet med noe modning. Denne holder lenge enda. Fokusert og balansert med flott syre og god struktur med noe avslipning.
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Popped and poured; enjoyed over several hours. Clearly showing the solar nature of the vintage, the 2015 Fèlsina CCR pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. Medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of stewed cherries and strawberries, well-oiled leather ball glove, red flowers, curaçao, dried green herbs, and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes of the nose. The finish is long, tart and satisfying with ferrous minerals. A lovely pairing with conchiglie ripiene. While this is fully mature, it still has a healthy life ahead. Drinking very well now and should through 2030 with ease.
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The nose here is quite something. With loads of dark cherry fruit that has a pruney, roasted quality to it and unashamedly cigarbox-oaky, it is very different from my stylistic ideal of brightly red fruited sour cherry Chianti expression. Leathery too with smoky, minerally and truffley tones. On the palate it is quite rich-fruited, concentrated and muscle-bound with remarkable tannins that grip and emerge like a tidal wave. Quite a bit of spicy oak all the way, there is absolutely nothing delicate or light about this. Seems to have a good acidity though and a moderate alcohol of 13,5%, if then one could guess higher. Underneath all the darkness and roasted matter there somehow seems to be some of that classic brightly red-fruited Chiantian joie de vivre that crave for in the region’s wines. I could do with a lot more of that but I’m happy the wine is not completely devoid of it. Despite the fruit profile and the dominance of oak in the end this still manages to drink surprisingly well with a pretty balanced finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Not unhappy with this, however I think I prefer the producer’s ”normale” stylistically. Vintage factor obviously might play some role.
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Sadly, my last bottle. Darker fruited, and doesn't show the cut you might expect from a cooler vintage, but plenty of in your face fruit here. In retrospect, I would put 2015 behind 2010, 2013 and 2016 in terms of overall quality in Chianti, but for a warmer vintage, this is pretty tasty.
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Compared to the 13, this is darker, and more earthy. Almost funky on the nose. Richer and a little more tannin. I like this, but I like the 13 more tonight.
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At opening, very evolved and tired compared to other notes here. After a while, fell completely apart. So flawed.... bottle bought 4,5 years ago from xtrawine.com and properly stored in my cellar. Summarizing, as expected another flawed Felsina sangiovese bottle from xtrawine
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You know, when I like a wine producer, especially when I have a track record with them, I'll generally buy a case of wine to enjoy over the years. And I have been a consistent proponent of the 2015 and 2016 vintages in Tuscany.
But as I sit here with this glass, which is from the 11th bottle of a case I bought, it's painfully apparent to me that a case was not enough. And as good as the wine is today, I think there is a reasonable possibility that it will still improve over the next 3-5 years.
I do still have a case of the 2015 Rancia, so I guess I can console myself with that wine, but this is one hell of a CCR, so if you have it, enjoy!
Just entering its drinking window and the red fruits are on show. I was impressed by the richness on the palette relative to other years somewhat reminiscent of 2010. Long life ahead. Yummy.
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Opened this one after the neighborhood tasting - would have been my #1 hands down. This bottle was fantastic, enjoyed it much more than the 2017. Glad I have 6 more in the cellar.
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It has been a couple years since I opened one of these. There is some bricking showing around the rim. This bottle is delicious. Fairly rich, with some licorice and tomato leaf accents initially. Darker fruit tones, and a healthy dose of acidity. I enjoyed this bottle much more than the first bottle or two from the case.
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From 75cl, perfect cork. Opened 5pm, decanted 7pm, consumed 8–9pm, but only the final glass was open enough to enjoy without regret. At peak (+4 hours) lovely scent of pipe tobacco and rich cigar; slightly over-ripe (but not burnt or cloying) dark red fruit, very spicy; still un-charming, clunky tannins at the end. Probably better from 2025, if opening now, please decant at least 3 hours. 90-91P
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No complaints here - nice mix of red & black fruit on the nose, with a faint whiff of smoked meat for additional interest/complexity.
Expansive on the palate, with ripe red fruit. Maybe just a slight deficiency in acidity for my tastes, but otherwise drinking very well. I bought a case of this on release, and given that most of it is now gone, I clearly should have purchased two.
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Shut down upon opening. Needs at least an hour of decanting to start opening up. Still, very young, could use few more years easily. Darker style, with plenty of tannins.
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Either too young or too old, although none of the attribute of an old, gone wine. Varietally correct, just seemed thin, undeveloped. Let it breathe all afternoon, but still…
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No contemporaneous notes. First of three bottles. I last had this at a Felsina tasting with one of the owners of the estate, back in early 2019. Grabbed this on way our door as a backup/second bottle for consumption at a local BYOB restaurant (the first bottle was the 2016 San Felice CCR Il Grigio, which was decanted beforehand). We opened this and it sat in the glass for about one half-one hour. Much better than the very nice Il Grigio. Such a complete wine, rich, concentrated, balanced, complex on the nose. Impressive. This needs time or a healthy decant. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least another year. (91-92+). ADDENDUM: One large glass stored in bottle (in frig with vacuvin), consumed on day 2. Holding up, very rich and beautifully flavored, but a bit flabby and not quite as impressive as day 1.
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Sniffing this tells me it's likely in a somewhat shy or closed down stage. Faint aromas of marionberry jam and oregano. Structurally well-made and stable. The consistency of Felsina CCR is evident, though the 2010 is drinking much better right now. Hold. Paired with pasta carbonara.
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decanted 45 min, in the glass for several hours. dark garnet to violet at the rim; wild & savory herbs on the earthy nose, scrabbley hillside underbrush, sweetly scented anise; med+ bodied; ripe yet tangy red- & black-skinned fruits, red licorice, fine balance & length, harmonious.
first one from the case, impressive & satisfying.
penne w/sausage, broccoli rabe, pecorino
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I just had a glass of the '18 CC - and this wine, albeit still a youngster with plenty of time in front of it, is so much more harmonious that if you had the wines side-by-side and blind, I doubt you would guess these were both produced by the same winemaker.
One of the best Felsina CCR's ever, although I haven't had the '16 in a while. Complex nose, earthy black and red fruits intermingled. Energetic and delicious on the palate.
I bought a case of this on release, and while it's going to be a lot of fun checking in on this wine over the next decade, it's already obvious to me that given the QPR here, a case wasn't enough.
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Really beautiful wine with dark fruit and a long finish but I would decant for 2-3 hours to give it time to really open. I tried it before decanting and it was closed and the fruit did not show.
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Another wine that may have gotten lost last night given when I poured it, but this firing on all cylinders right now. Light- to medium-bodied, with great clarity on the palate. You know, for as much as I like the Rancia, I often think that the real "sweet spot" for Felsina in most vintages is the CCR.
Darker fruited than some years. Luckily, still Reined and elegant, and not too heavy. Maybe a little Reduction on the nose? Some tobacco and saline notes. Delivers as always.
Looking at some of the (professional) reviewer's notes, I am a bit lost: "depth", "power", "wild", "plums"... that is absolutely not what I get from my glass/bottle. I taste a medium bodied, very juicy, clean and fresh wine with a tasty and slighlty sour red cherry fruity, gentle tannins and just a hint of licorice and coffee on the finish. It is elegant and fresh, rather linear and not very complex, and seems ready for drinking, though I assume it will age well another 5-10 years. But it is the absolute opposite of a "powerful" wine. Looking at some of the CT reviews, it seems like there could be some bottle variation?? I do like this fresh and juicy style - which I also associate with Felsina. I was just expecting a richer and more complex wine based on the reviews. - 89 points
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 2 hours. Don't, DON'T open this wine for another 2 years unless you like hard, crabby, tannic, closed, immature reds with indistinct, well-concealed red/black/something fruit. Try in 2025? Or just buy standard, non-riserva Chianti in future, saving your money for more attractive vins de garde. Which is my plan. Brunello, anyone? NR
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Deep red, tinge of orange. Delightful off the bat. Ripe cherry, hints of raspberry, some leather to offer contrast. Tannins mostly integrated but seems likely to age nicely for a while.
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Interesting, this bottle was a little less accessible than my first about a year and half ago. It seemed a little firm and tight. A little subdued on the nose. I saved about half a bottle tomorrow. We'll see how it does after being open for day.
This was a little more open on day two. Aromatics still muted though.
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no way around it, this was not a very good bottle of chianti. the wine seemed disjointed with a whiff of volatile acidity. this wine's unfavorable profile failed to resolve itself over several hours. i have several bottles; we'll see if things shape up a few years down the road.
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Aug 2018: With pasta w/ tomato sauce, meatballs. Very good, deeper and richer, earthier than the normal chianti. But less fruit, less bright. May last longer after 10+ years, but for now prefer the regular.
Jun 2018 (tasting): Super tight. Some juice buried in there. Tannin++ Lasagna. 92
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Aerated multiple times into a decanter and this wine was way too tight on night 1.
Medium red color, nose was shut down (tart cherry/strawberry/ herbs) and palate was primarily red fruits. Medium body/acidity/tannins- needs 5+ years. On night 2 (sitting in cellar under vacu-vin), the wine gained weight and some complexity. 89+/- on night 1 - score should improve a few times with bottle age. I had a 1995 vintage of this wine in 2013 (~ 18 years of age) and it was still going strong. This wine was better on night 2/3.
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A relatively slick, polished and modern chianti, though this still has good balanced freshness and acidity. Ripe, juice dark fruit and some tingling tannin at the end. A pronounced oak presence but not obtrusive. I’ve had a few bottles of this. Some have been good, some a bit average.
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Opened up incredibly after three days. Solid nose of berries and coffee upon opening. Day one taste was extremely tight and bitter. Day two loosened up a bit. Totally surprised day three turned into a smooth, balanced array of dark berries, cranberry and plum. Not overly complex but very balanced with a nice lengthy finish. Have a few of these and will probably hold off for a while but strongly suggest letting in open a long time. Was open for about an hour the first day then simply stored with the cork back in the bottle.
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First go at this vintage. It needed an hour or so to show much on the nose. Then it showed some mineral, menthol, cherries and a charred note. It shows nice fruit, silky textures and moderate acid. It seems a little more polished and less rustic than 2013.
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Dry wood and some mushroom on the nose initially. Blows over after some air in the decanter and starts to slowly reveal dark berry, spices, cinnamon hints, and anise type scents. On the palate you have the classic sour cherry, dried oregano, a bit of sweet balsamic and sweet tobacco. Tannins are still a bit tight but this is definitely a very drinkable wine at this stage. Love the balance and classic textbook feel of this wine. Will buy a few more for the cellar to start opening in another 2-3 years.
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Felsina CC Riserva 2015 : Still young. On the nose: Dark, ripe berries, licorice, spices and a hint of vanilla. In the mouth: Fresh and elegant. Cherries, licorice, spices and nuts. Everything "wrapped up" in slightly tight tanins. Long aftertaste. Lovely wine now, probably even better next and next ... and several years to come.😃
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A little young with considerable tannin to shed, but showing great promise. Already eminently drinkable. Well balanced and showing copious Sangiovase fruit. Good value.
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Bu en succ. Beau CC, simple et frais si je compare au Rancia 2012 bu hier. Belle acidité et beau fruit avec un peu d`épices. Les tanins sont un peu timide et la finale de longueur appréciable. Bien.
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Forgot I had tried this only 6 months ago. Not much has changed, still surprisingly taut and lean for the vintage with classic Sangiovese character lurking underneath the vibrant acidity. Black cherry, earth, new leather, rosemary, hazelnuts, black licorice, charcoal. Pretty bound up. I really should have just bought a few and put them away for a few years.
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Underripe cherries, raspberries. A hint of oak and new leather. Medium tannins but medium + acidity. Typical oak aged Chianti and can age for a bit longer.
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This wine is too young to pop. But, alas, I opened one anyway. Double Vintori pour and thirty mins in the glass. It has a nice nose of cherry, some background oak, and some leather. More robust darker cherry on the palate, with some smoky funk, and a bit of leather. This will be very good in two or three years. Right now, it’s decent, but this screams for cellaring.
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Followed this over a couple of days. Some of the black walnut I get on the Rancia on the nose -- along with black cherry fruit. Little volatility that accentuates the aromatics. Quite rich and fullish on the palate. Very solid vintage of the CCR.
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Hennepin Lake Tasting: A small tasting pour. I was surprised that this wine is drinking well so young. To me, this is the perfect pizza wine. It is not expensive, and there is dark cherry, high acidity, saddle leather, floral anise, and smoked meats.
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I'm committing infanticide, I know. Signature Felsina cherry, dirt, herbs, cedar and charcoal. Very good structure and balance. Maybe not quite as concentrated as Rancia but very strong in its own right and should easily have a 10+ year horizon. Buy.
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Tasting Through Italy and Switzerland; 8/9/2018-8/20/2018 (Florence, Milan and Lucerne): Purchased at dinner at Buca Mario in Florence. Bottle was way too hot when served initially, so we had to get another ice bucket. This was big and brooding - much different than the Verrazano which was smoother and lighter. Lots of red/dark fruit and a ton of tannin. This needs time to integrate and mellow - if you enjoy now give it a lot of air. When this is more mature I expect my rating will increase by a few points.
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Closed down and very tannic. Enjoyable a few hours after decanting but needs years more in bottle.
Two weeks later, from 1/4 bottle vacuum-sealed and in fridge: holding up beautifully. Elegant, balanced, smooth. Bodes well for a few more years in bottle.
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Great value for a Chianti with medium term aging potential. Dense and dark with good black cherry emerging after an hour or two, plus dry earth, rosemary, fruit leather, and smoke. I love this Chianti usually and I think with a few more years I'll love this 2015 too. Not the super ripe personality I expected given the vintage (which is a good thing), and lots of structure. I expect 5 more years will be a sweet spot but try again in 3.
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K&L Wines of Italy Tasting (K&L Wines, Redwood City, CA): Deep aromas of oak and moss, dark cherry and just a hint of florality. Dense and dark-fruited on the palate, absolutely lovely on entry, but the still -harsh tannins overwhelm everything in the mid-palate and finish. Needs time.
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This is a very good wine. It has gained strength as it has been open. Great typical nose of cherries and flowers. A bit tannic but young so I forgive it. Beautiful mouthfeel and full of dry cherries, cinnamon, maybe some cloves? Really nice and this will be much better in a few years. Great showing today.
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Deres Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva har de samme likhetstrekkene som overnevnte vin, men modningstiden på flaske er mellom 12 til 16 måneder på slavonske eikefat og 2-3 års gamle franske eikefat.
Vinen er fortsatt litt lukket og forsiktig på nesen med en litt varmere tone der modne bringebær og litt lær gir et fint og behagelig aromabilde.
På paletten har vinen en middels fylde, der frukten umiddelbart oppfattes som fresh og leken, og har ikke for varme toner i seg. Frisk klar rødbærsfrukt med halvmodne jordbær, bringebær og plukkeklare moreller dominerer sammen med et lett jordlig preg og tiltalende eiketoner. Ja, dette fungerte! En god Riserva dette, med litt mer av alt i sammenlikning med Berardenga CC. 90 poeng.
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3/30/2024 - Obi-Wan Cannubi Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dyp rød.
Deilige modne mørke kirsebær med bitter kirsebærstein i avslutningen. Trenger litt luft for å åpne seg. Det ga flott kompleksitet med noe modning. Denne holder lenge enda. Fokusert og balansert med flott syre og god struktur med noe avslipning.
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12/3/2023 - thesternowl wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured; enjoyed over several hours. Clearly showing the solar nature of the vintage, the 2015 Fèlsina CCR pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. Medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of stewed cherries and strawberries, well-oiled leather ball glove, red flowers, curaçao, dried green herbs, and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes of the nose. The finish is long, tart and satisfying with ferrous minerals. A lovely pairing with conchiglie ripiene. While this is fully mature, it still has a healthy life ahead. Drinking very well now and should through 2030 with ease.
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12/3/2023 - kuumies wrote:
The nose here is quite something. With loads of dark cherry fruit that has a pruney, roasted quality to it and unashamedly cigarbox-oaky, it is very different from my stylistic ideal of brightly red fruited sour cherry Chianti expression. Leathery too with smoky, minerally and truffley tones. On the palate it is quite rich-fruited, concentrated and muscle-bound with remarkable tannins that grip and emerge like a tidal wave. Quite a bit of spicy oak all the way, there is absolutely nothing delicate or light about this. Seems to have a good acidity though and a moderate alcohol of 13,5%, if then one could guess higher. Underneath all the darkness and roasted matter there somehow seems to be some of that classic brightly red-fruited Chiantian joie de vivre that crave for in the region’s wines. I could do with a lot more of that but I’m happy the wine is not completely devoid of it. Despite the fruit profile and the dominance of oak in the end this still manages to drink surprisingly well with a pretty balanced finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Not unhappy with this, however I think I prefer the producer’s ”normale” stylistically. Vintage factor obviously might play some role.
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11/1/2023 - Bob H wrote:
Sadly, my last bottle. Darker fruited, and doesn't show the cut you might expect from a cooler vintage, but plenty of in your face fruit here. In retrospect, I would put 2015 behind 2010, 2013 and 2016 in terms of overall quality in Chianti, but for a warmer vintage, this is pretty tasty.
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4/8/2023 - Outplaying wrote:
Compared to the 13, this is darker, and more earthy. Almost funky on the nose. Richer and a little more tannin. I like this, but I like the 13 more tonight.
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3/11/2023 - Vinogan(s) wrote: flawed
Second bottle also flawed (heat damage). Good riddance
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3/11/2023 - Vinogan(s) wrote: flawed
At opening, very evolved and tired compared to other notes here. After a while, fell completely apart. So flawed.... bottle bought 4,5 years ago from xtrawine.com and properly stored in my cellar. Summarizing, as expected another flawed Felsina sangiovese bottle from xtrawine
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2/27/2023 - Bob H wrote:
You know, when I like a wine producer, especially when I have a track record with them, I'll generally buy a case of wine to enjoy over the years. And I have been a consistent proponent of the 2015 and 2016 vintages in Tuscany.
But as I sit here with this glass, which is from the 11th bottle of a case I bought, it's painfully apparent to me that a case was not enough. And as good as the wine is today, I think there is a reasonable possibility that it will still improve over the next 3-5 years.
I do still have a case of the 2015 Rancia, so I guess I can console myself with that wine, but this is one hell of a CCR, so if you have it, enjoy!
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2/26/2023 - pinkhouse Likes this wine: 90 Points
Just entering its drinking window and the red fruits are on show. I was impressed by the richness on the palette relative to other years somewhat reminiscent of 2010. Long life ahead. Yummy.
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2/4/2023 - Jarndyce Likes this wine: 95 Points
Opened this one after the neighborhood tasting - would have been my #1 hands down. This bottle was fantastic, enjoyed it much more than the 2017. Glad I have 6 more in the cellar.
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1/6/2023 - Outplaying Likes this wine:
It has been a couple years since I opened one of these. There is some bricking showing around the rim. This bottle is delicious. Fairly rich, with some licorice and tomato leaf accents initially. Darker fruit tones, and a healthy dose of acidity. I enjoyed this bottle much more than the first bottle or two from the case.
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11/9/2022 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork. Opened 5pm, decanted 7pm, consumed 8–9pm, but only the final glass was open enough to enjoy without regret. At peak (+4 hours) lovely scent of pipe tobacco and rich cigar; slightly over-ripe (but not burnt or cloying) dark red fruit, very spicy; still un-charming, clunky tannins at the end. Probably better from 2025, if opening now, please decant at least 3 hours. 90-91P
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9/23/2022 - Bob H wrote:
No complaints here - nice mix of red & black fruit on the nose, with a faint whiff of smoked meat for additional interest/complexity.
Expansive on the palate, with ripe red fruit. Maybe just a slight deficiency in acidity for my tastes, but otherwise drinking very well. I bought a case of this on release, and given that most of it is now gone, I clearly should have purchased two.
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9/5/2022 - Slaz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Shut down upon opening. Needs at least an hour of decanting to start opening up. Still, very young, could use few more years easily. Darker style, with plenty of tannins.
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8/28/2022 - Z1nnfull wrote: 88 Points
Either too young or too old, although none of the attribute of an old, gone wine. Varietally correct, just seemed thin, undeveloped. Let it breathe all afternoon, but still…
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6/18/2022 - D_RICH Likes this wine: 92 Points
No contemporaneous notes. First of three bottles. I last had this at a Felsina tasting with one of the owners of the estate, back in early 2019. Grabbed this on way our door as a backup/second bottle for consumption at a local BYOB restaurant (the first bottle was the 2016 San Felice CCR Il Grigio, which was decanted beforehand). We opened this and it sat in the glass for about one half-one hour. Much better than the very nice Il Grigio. Such a complete wine, rich, concentrated, balanced, complex on the nose. Impressive. This needs time or a healthy decant. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least another year. (91-92+). ADDENDUM: One large glass stored in bottle (in frig with vacuvin), consumed on day 2. Holding up, very rich and beautifully flavored, but a bit flabby and not quite as impressive as day 1.
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1/25/2022 - Doc90 wrote:
Sniffing this tells me it's likely in a somewhat shy or closed down stage. Faint aromas of marionberry jam and oregano. Structurally well-made and stable. The consistency of Felsina CCR is evident, though the 2010 is drinking much better right now. Hold. Paired with pasta carbonara.
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12/11/2021 - pigdaddy wrote: 90 Points
decanted 45 min, in the glass for several hours. dark garnet to violet at the rim; wild & savory herbs on the earthy nose, scrabbley hillside underbrush, sweetly scented anise; med+ bodied; ripe yet tangy red- & black-skinned fruits, red licorice, fine balance & length, harmonious.
first one from the case, impressive & satisfying.
penne w/sausage, broccoli rabe, pecorino
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12/6/2021 - Bob H wrote:
I just had a glass of the '18 CC - and this wine, albeit still a youngster with plenty of time in front of it, is so much more harmonious that if you had the wines side-by-side and blind, I doubt you would guess these were both produced by the same winemaker.
One of the best Felsina CCR's ever, although I haven't had the '16 in a while. Complex nose, earthy black and red fruits intermingled. Energetic and delicious on the palate.
I bought a case of this on release, and while it's going to be a lot of fun checking in on this wine over the next decade, it's already obvious to me that given the QPR here, a case wasn't enough.
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9/29/2021 - tadams66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really beautiful wine with dark fruit and a long finish but I would decant for 2-3 hours to give it time to really open. I tried it before decanting and it was closed and the fruit did not show.
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9/19/2021 - dpc123 wrote: 92 Points
Really well made Chianti. Will age for many years
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6/24/2021 - Bob H wrote:
From a bottle opened last night at dinner.
Another wine that may have gotten lost last night given when I poured it, but this firing on all cylinders right now. Light- to medium-bodied, with great clarity on the palate. You know, for as much as I like the Rancia, I often think that the real "sweet spot" for Felsina in most vintages is the CCR.
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5/30/2021 - Slaz Likes this wine: 90 Points
Approachable with some decanting but not at its peak yet.
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5/6/2021 - Nutty08 wrote: 91 Points
Darker fruited than some years. Luckily, still
Reined and elegant, and not too heavy. Maybe a little
Reduction on the nose? Some tobacco and saline notes. Delivers as always.
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4/28/2021 - isbjoern wrote: 89 Points
Looking at some of the (professional) reviewer's notes, I am a bit lost: "depth", "power", "wild", "plums"... that is absolutely not what I get from my glass/bottle. I taste a medium bodied, very juicy, clean and fresh wine with a tasty and slighlty sour red cherry fruity, gentle tannins and just a hint of licorice and coffee on the finish. It is elegant and fresh, rather linear and not very complex, and seems ready for drinking, though I assume it will age well another 5-10 years. But it is the absolute opposite of a "powerful" wine. Looking at some of the CT reviews, it seems like there could be some bottle variation?? I do like this fresh and juicy style - which I also associate with Felsina. I was just expecting a richer and more complex wine based on the reviews. - 89 points
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2/19/2021 - jdcarucci wrote:
Decanted maybe 4 hours. Still thin and wanting in general. Give until winter 2023 to reassess.
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2/15/2021 - Andrew H wrote: 90 Points
Good spot. Deep red, cherry, a bit tart. Some leather and pencil on finish but tannins mostly integrated.
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2/1/2021 - honest bob wrote:
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 2 hours. Don't, DON'T open this wine for another 2 years unless you like hard, crabby, tannic, closed, immature reds with indistinct, well-concealed red/black/something fruit. Try in 2025? Or just buy standard, non-riserva Chianti in future, saving your money for more attractive vins de garde. Which is my plan. Brunello, anyone? NR
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1/20/2021 - Slaz Likes this wine: 90 Points
Benefits from decanting and can use more cellaring, as expected. Good earthiness but a little thin, possibly because too young.
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12/15/2020 - Andrew H wrote: 91 Points
Deep red, tinge of orange. Delightful off the bat. Ripe cherry, hints of raspberry, some leather to offer contrast. Tannins mostly integrated but seems likely to age nicely for a while.
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12/1/2020 - Outplaying wrote:
Interesting, this bottle was a little less accessible than my first about a year and half ago. It seemed a little firm and tight. A little subdued on the nose. I saved about half a bottle tomorrow. We'll see how it does after being open for day.
This was a little more open on day two. Aromatics still muted though.
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11/25/2020 - vinus_operandi Does not like this wine: 88 Points
no way around it, this was not a very good bottle of chianti. the wine seemed disjointed with a whiff of volatile acidity. this wine's unfavorable profile failed to resolve itself over several hours. i have several bottles; we'll see if things shape up a few years down the road.
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4/23/2020 - ayoungvintage Likes this wine:
Too tight when opened, even after decanting. Will hold for a few more years before opening another.
Evening two saw this start to round into a pleasant wine. Currant, Frutti di bosco, hint of elderberry syrup on the nose. Recommend.
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4/13/2020 - Nyrican wrote: 89 Points
nice Chianti
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2/18/2020 - elyaz wrote: 92 Points
Aug 2018: With pasta w/ tomato sauce, meatballs. Very good, deeper and richer, earthier than the normal chianti. But less fruit, less bright. May last longer after 10+ years, but for now prefer the regular.
Jun 2018 (tasting): Super tight. Some juice buried in there. Tannin++ Lasagna. 92
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12/1/2019 - CWilliam wrote: 89 Points
Aerated multiple times into a decanter and this wine was way too tight on night 1.
Medium red color, nose was shut down (tart cherry/strawberry/ herbs) and palate was primarily red fruits. Medium body/acidity/tannins- needs 5+ years. On night 2 (sitting in cellar under vacu-vin), the wine gained weight and some complexity. 89+/- on night 1 - score should improve a few times with bottle age. I had a 1995 vintage of this wine in 2013 (~ 18 years of age) and it was still going strong. This wine was better on night 2/3.
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10/12/2019 - Dj6544 wrote: 90 Points
A relatively slick, polished and modern chianti, though this still has good balanced freshness and acidity. Ripe, juice dark fruit and some tingling tannin at the end. A pronounced oak presence but not obtrusive. I’ve had a few bottles of this. Some have been good, some a bit average.
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10/11/2019 - Billud90 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened up incredibly after three days. Solid nose of berries and coffee upon opening. Day one taste was extremely tight and bitter. Day two loosened up a bit. Totally surprised day three turned into a smooth, balanced array of dark berries, cranberry and plum. Not overly complex but very balanced with a nice lengthy finish. Have a few of these and will probably hold off for a while but strongly suggest letting in open a long time. Was open for about an hour the first day then simply stored with the cork back in the bottle.
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9/8/2019 - chanote44 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Simple.
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5/8/2019 - Outplaying Likes this wine:
First go at this vintage. It needed an hour or so to show much on the nose. Then it showed some mineral, menthol, cherries and a charred note. It shows nice fruit, silky textures and moderate acid. It seems a little more polished and less rustic than 2013.
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5/3/2019 - mchern02 wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour
Actually drinking quite well right now and good qpr. At 13.5 percent and 25 bucks, this is a phenomenal value.
Nice bright nose with red cherries and vanilla.
Good power, light dark cherries with a touch of sweetness. Rich but light tannins. Nice acidity
Long finish and like the lower alcohol.
Not sure I think this will improve mightily with a to. Of time but could peak in 2-3 years
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4/26/2019 - RomanPski Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dry wood and some mushroom on the nose initially. Blows over after some air in the decanter and starts to slowly reveal dark berry, spices, cinnamon hints, and anise type scents. On the palate you have the classic sour cherry, dried oregano, a bit of sweet balsamic and sweet tobacco. Tannins are still a bit tight but this is definitely a very drinkable wine at this stage. Love the balance and classic textbook feel of this wine. Will buy a few more for the cellar to start opening in another 2-3 years.
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4/19/2019 - Grape_ape Likes this wine:
Drinking well with a long decant in a wide bottom decanter. Will let me other bottle sit 3-5 years though, and may go back to add a few more.
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4/2/2019 - richshoes Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really good with great layers of depth for a medium bodied wine. Super cheap too!
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3/28/2019 - Nilsenfr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Felsina CC Riserva 2015 :
Still young.
On the nose: Dark, ripe berries, licorice, spices and a hint of vanilla.
In the mouth: Fresh and elegant. Cherries, licorice, spices and nuts. Everything "wrapped up" in slightly tight tanins. Long aftertaste.
Lovely wine now, probably even better next and next ... and several years to come.😃
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3/1/2019 - melzar wrote: 91 Points
A little young with considerable tannin to shed, but showing great promise. Already eminently drinkable. Well balanced and showing copious Sangiovase fruit. Good value.
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2/14/2019 - ludwigbpm wrote: 91 Points
Sans notes
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2/2/2019 - maxima wrote: 89 Points
Bu en succ.
Beau CC, simple et frais si je compare au Rancia 2012 bu hier.
Belle acidité et beau fruit avec un peu d`épices. Les tanins
sont un peu timide et la finale de longueur appréciable.
Bien.
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1/16/2019 - ex-sommelier Likes this wine:
Forgot I had tried this only 6 months ago. Not much has changed, still surprisingly taut and lean for the vintage with classic Sangiovese character lurking underneath the vibrant acidity. Black cherry, earth, new leather, rosemary, hazelnuts, black licorice, charcoal. Pretty bound up. I really should have just bought a few and put them away for a few years.
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1/1/2019 - AlphaMikeFoxtrot wrote: 91 Points
Underripe cherries, raspberries. A hint of oak and new leather. Medium tannins but medium + acidity. Typical oak aged Chianti and can age for a bit longer.
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12/16/2018 - jdcarucci wrote:
Enjoyable with food but overall way too young. Wound tight. Unyielding even after several hours in the decanter. Revisit in winter 2021.
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11/12/2018 - tadams66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark fruit, great structure. Much better on the second day. These needs time. Best after 2020 but will last a while.
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11/11/2018 - djarcara Likes this wine: 89 Points
Deep purple color. Very primary. Dark fruit with bold tannins and acidity. Needs time. Best after 2021. Score will probably rise.
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11/5/2018 - CCestaro wrote: 90 Points
This wine is too young to pop. But, alas, I opened one anyway. Double Vintori pour and thirty mins in the glass. It has a nice nose of cherry, some background oak, and some leather. More robust darker cherry on the palate, with some smoky funk, and a bit of leather. This will be very good in two or three years. Right now, it’s decent, but this screams for cellaring.
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10/29/2018 - BordeauxNut wrote: 92 Points
Followed this over a couple of days. Some of the black walnut I get on the Rancia on the nose -- along with black cherry fruit. Little volatility that accentuates the aromatics. Quite rich and fullish on the palate. Very solid vintage of the CCR.
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10/14/2018 - galewskj wrote: 91 Points
Hennepin Lake Tasting: A small tasting pour. I was surprised that this wine is drinking well so young. To me, this is the perfect pizza wine. It is not expensive, and there is dark cherry, high acidity, saddle leather, floral anise, and smoked meats.
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10/11/2018 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 86 Points
Hennepin Lake Tasting 2018; 10/11/2018-10/14/2018 (Minneapolis, MN): Not a fan of this one. Thin, rustic and lacks any complexity. I have drank these wines for 15 plus years and this vintage doesn't do it for me.
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10/3/2018 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm committing infanticide, I know. Signature Felsina cherry, dirt, herbs, cedar and charcoal. Very good structure and balance. Maybe not quite as concentrated as Rancia but very strong in its own right and should easily have a 10+ year horizon. Buy.
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8/9/2018 - bdisk1235 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasting Through Italy and Switzerland; 8/9/2018-8/20/2018 (Florence, Milan and Lucerne): Purchased at dinner at Buca Mario in Florence. Bottle was way too hot when served initially, so we had to get another ice bucket. This was big and brooding - much different than the Verrazano which was smoother and lighter. Lots of red/dark fruit and a ton of tannin. This needs time to integrate and mellow - if you enjoy now give it a lot of air. When this is more mature I expect my rating will increase by a few points.
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8/4/2018 - kronfeld wrote:
Closed down and very tannic. Enjoyable a few hours after decanting but needs years more in bottle.
Two weeks later, from 1/4 bottle vacuum-sealed and in fridge: holding up beautifully. Elegant, balanced, smooth. Bodes well for a few more years in bottle.
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6/21/2018 - ex-sommelier Likes this wine:
Great value for a Chianti with medium term aging potential. Dense and dark with good black cherry emerging after an hour or two, plus dry earth, rosemary, fruit leather, and smoke. I love this Chianti usually and I think with a few more years I'll love this 2015 too. Not the super ripe personality I expected given the vintage (which is a good thing), and lots of structure. I expect 5 more years will be a sweet spot but try again in 3.
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6/9/2018 - daveyk39 wrote:
K&L Wines of Italy Tasting (K&L Wines, Redwood City, CA): Deep aromas of oak and moss, dark cherry and just a hint of florality. Dense and dark-fruited on the palate, absolutely lovely on entry, but the still -harsh tannins overwhelm everything in the mid-palate and finish. Needs time.
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4/29/2018 - jeppejeppe Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not settled yet. Next year it will be.
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4/8/2018 - repoper wrote: 92 Points
This is a very good wine. It has gained strength as it has been open. Great typical nose of cherries and flowers. A bit tannic but young so I forgive it. Beautiful mouthfeel and full of dry cherries, cinnamon, maybe some cloves? Really nice and this will be much better in a few years. Great showing today.
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2/25/2018 - Andre Brattland wrote: 90 Points
Deres Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva har de samme likhetstrekkene som overnevnte vin, men modningstiden på flaske er mellom 12 til 16 måneder på slavonske eikefat og 2-3 års gamle franske eikefat.
Vinen er fortsatt litt lukket og forsiktig på nesen med en litt varmere tone der modne bringebær og litt lær gir et fint og behagelig aromabilde.
På paletten har vinen en middels fylde, der frukten umiddelbart oppfattes som fresh og leken, og har ikke for varme toner i seg. Frisk klar rødbærsfrukt med halvmodne jordbær, bringebær og plukkeklare moreller dominerer sammen med et lett jordlig preg og tiltalende eiketoner. Ja, dette fungerte! En god Riserva dette, med litt mer av alt i sammenlikning med Berardenga CC. 90 poeng.
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