Planning Session (Brad's Place, St. Paul, MN): Dark red color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 2 hours plus. Very consistent with my previous notes. Black cherry fruit, tar, anise, kirsch, eathy, crushed rocks, tannins are still notable.
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Delicious. Dried cherries, leather, earth with substantial acidity. Medium body and finish. Excellent pairing with red sauce (pasta, lasagna). In a very nice place to drink now.
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Deep garnet to ruby. Beautiful aromatics that just scream of central Chianti. Leather, ripe red cherry, herbs, juniper, and warm spices. Beautiful mouth feel - silky smooth. Dry herbs, dried cherry, blood orange, and a crushed stone minerality. Cocoa finish. Drinking perfectly right now. Yum!
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PnP., nearing a peak plateau, a space it will occupy for some time. VG, now, and more so considering my first thoughts when introduced on release. Red-fruited, with a med body, classic typicity, lively acid, etc. From a solar year that required great care to manage. Bravo. Now and the next decade+; likely to improve a bit. For its full potential, it's highly recommended
Drinking incredibly well right now. Scored this beauty on clearance at my local Costco. Was marked down to … $6.97! Purchased 18 in total. If only they had more out back.
PnP, ready. The last from a bunch picked up at Costco for just $19; crazy good price considering the quality. Crazy. For my palate, this is now in its preferred plateau (I wasn't nearly as satisfied just after release). Acids, red fruits, earth, dust, and some blond tobacco are all settled in their place now; should hold here for several years. recommended+
Although Monsanto usually handles mid-term aging well, I'd say that based on this bottle it is time to drink up on the '15s. Again a touch of brett upon opening, then a bottle showing a more maturity than expected. Pleasant, but I will plan to drink my final bottle soon. This may simply be an early-maturing vintage or my bottles may have seen suboptimal conditions prior to arrival. Pleasant, and nothing wrong, but more advanced than I'd expected.
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My last bottle from a case bought on release - this has been "steady Eddy" - just a nice Chianti for a good price that consistently delivers. Sad to see this go, but I still have a few 2010's and 2016's left to tide me over.
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Served together with Matteo Cracci's pasta carbonara after Aperol spritzes. Great meal but insufficient pasta. The wine was solid but could have stoood another five years on the cellar and another hour of decanting. Cherries and berries and a touch too much tannic backbone.
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Medium ruby. On the nose medium intensity red cherry, vanilla, dried herbs, leather, earth, black plum. On the palate the wine is dry with high acidity, high alcohol, medium plus tannins, ripe and chalky, medium plus body. Flavor intensity is medium plus with red cherry, vanilla, dried herbs, leather, earth, black plum. Finish is medium with vanilla and black plum. Very good wine, balanced, some complexity, w/ concentration and intensity. Could still go some years.
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Popped and poured on a Tuesday--something of a discourtesy, for sure, to a Classico Riserva.
That said: lilac, violets and rose on the nose, with a compact, elegant band of red fruit: cherries, currants, lychee. A broadening balsam and spruce note becomes apparent aft, along with a cleansing mineral scour.
Tannins, though present, are quite fine--not a major need to even decant. That said, the acidity speaks to another ten years' longevity. However, exceptionally drinkable now.
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Rose and lilac intermingle with currants, peach, lychee (the latter two revealing the hot vintage), licorice and oak spices. There is a sweetness to the fruit and the spices that is a little out of place for a Chianti Classico, but beautiful acidity provides lift. The tannins' textural feel somehow reminds me of suede. Not the most classical of Chianti Classicos, but I like it even so. I do not think it will improve from further cellaring, but it should drink well for at least 5 more years.
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Last time I had this was en magnum in the summer of 2021. I said to age it 5-10 years more and I still stand by that. Well, maybe closer to 5 from a .750 but still. This CCR is nowhere near ready.
Reductivity that blew off after an hour. Blueberries, blackcurrants, tomato leaf on nose. More savory on the palate - tomato leaf bay leaf and black pepper with a hint of dark fruits. Medium + body, medium + acid and tannins that show no signs of disappearing. Developing. Hold for at least 5 more years.
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Very good - unfortunately, my next to last bottle; I bought a case on release, and I should have gotten two. Red fruits and good acidity on the palate - very Chianti.
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So I have this habit of opening Monsanto CCRs around the 7 year mark. Typically they just taste shut down on PnP but not particularly imposing, and then start singing after a 1-2 hour decant. Not so here. Very primary at first with a nose dominated by an aroma resembling burnt rubber. This remained tightly coiled and edgy with air—the palate never revealing much more then dense underripe plums. Needs much more time, but I suspect it will always be an atypical version, never reaching the understated harmony that is the common thread of both cooler vintages like 13 and 14, and warmer vintages like 11 and 12.
Nose dominated by red fruits, but there are floral, violet notes and some plum too. A bit of a different palate profile for a Chianti. Medium bodied. Soft mouth feel, more plush than acid. Some blueberry fruit in the mix as well. A bit odd in a way, but it works as it’s quite tasty, and in a good place age-wise. Great value.
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Decanted for an hour and this wine is starting to drink very well. Dark fruit profile, and well balanced. Should be in its window for quite awhile. Excellent value.
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1st bottle of case. Decanted via Vinturi. Drinking nicely now. Nose of cherry, floral notes, forest floor. Structure stood up nicely to Spaghetti, Red Sauce & Meatballs.
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An interesting comparison with the '15 Felsina CCR I just opened. Not as compelling on the nose, but this is lighter-bodied and more acidic on the palate. And while I appreciate a good nose as much as most folks, in the final analysis I do want to drink the wine, and today this Monsanto is hitting the bullseye on the palate for Chianti typicity. I will be curious to see which wine my better half prefers today.
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Wildflowers and candied cherry nose, same on a surprisingly tight (almost austere) soil-inflected and peppery palate. This cries out for food now, years in bottle should tame the beast. 91+
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This has the nice bright cherry flavor, plums, and black currant that I liked to see in Chianti. It’s not super complex, but it’s happy and delightful. I do get the mushrooms and vegetal flavors, though in a nice way, along with smoke good minerality, and what someone else on CT called “Tuscan dust.” This is very good for $24 and, compared to several of the other budget Chiantis that I’ve had recently, this one is better (it is a Riserva).
This drank well as soon as I popped the cork, but it also developed well over the course of the evening. It was even better the second day as developed thickness. This is one to get again and again if you are looking for affordable Chianti.
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Pizza Night Italiano (Matt and Brenda's): Dark red color. PNP, drank a glass over 90 minutes. This was quite funky, darker fruits, round and nicely textured with a velveteen feel, lots of earth, long, tannins are engaged but but not grippy. This got much better over the evening. 90-91(+)pts.
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Not the best showing. A good bit of brett resolved somewhat in the decanter, but this never really strutted its stuff. For a vintage of Monsanto which has been remarkably and unusually open during its early life, this may be shutting down a bit. Probably hold the remaining bottles for a couple of years before revisiting.
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Day 1: very green, grassy notes. Drinks like a very young wine. Slightly minty and could mistake for a Coonawarra Cabernet in a blind tasting. Day 2: opened a bit, slightly more fruit driven. Undertones of oak which is not overpowering, nice tannin structure. Less green/grass notes, but still far too young. If you have these, hold off. Scoring more on potential. Thanks for sharing ND.
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One of the best examples of Chianti out there. Pours to a deep ruby color. Pnp through Venturi. Classic notes of cherries, tobacco, minerals, junipers, pepper, and herbs. Medium bodied, medium+ acidity, firm tannins, and medium+ finish. Bright expression of tart fruits coupled with earthy broodiness of disciplined tannins. Pure expression of a good Chianti - rustic notes that is well integrated with the refined winemaking. This would be a delight with grilled meats and pizza. WS 94 pts, JS 96 pts are quite generous, but shine the light on very good and true representation of a Chianti riserva.
Repeat purchase? Yes
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First bottle 6 months ago was so off that it must have been flawed...strong manure odor and flat. This time it was delicious. Medium tannins with sour cherries/cedar/tobacco and good balancing acid. Excellent qpr at Costco but they don't stick around long.
Clean bottle/cork this time. A step up on a few weeks back. Herbal notes really coming into the wine this time. Much more clarity of flavour through the finish too. Less the musty notes, and the better glassware, this is borderline outstanding. 94.
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15 Monsanto Riserva. After 90 mins pop and pour it really finds its groove. Medium bodied, round and vibrant and modern red cherry with medium acidity and medium tannins. A slight musty note that blew off, this excellent wine has entered its drinking window and will drink well for the next 6-ish years. Feels mid-life. Excellent 93.
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Monsanto Riserva is a consistent, very nice wine. This bottle was a bit less than I am used to. There was a bit of un-constructive tension in this bottle. otherwise is was typical leather and tobacco leading into a nice smooth body and a tight tannin finish.
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Nose: cherry, red currant and black currant, tobacco, forest floor, wet stones, violets Taste: full bodied, medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, cherry, red berries, earth, tobacco, mineral notes, tea, fresh, juicy, elegant, balanced, better on day 2, 90+
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Nose gives out some dark cherries, but nothing too aromatic - perhaps lack of decanting hurt this. Let it sit 15 minutes in the glass. Round, fresh, but with lively acidity, dark cherries, plums, and a distinct espresso finish, some tar, with some oak and somewhat grippy tannins. Another very good Chianti from 2015 - a good vintage indeed.
P.S. - on day three, some of the fruits were fading away but the nose gained strong espresso hints
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Of the three Monsanto's, this was the "biggest" wine, and all three tasters had it as their favorite in the trio. Earthy red and black fruit on the nose. Expansive on the palate - this really spreads out and covers every nook and cranny of your taste buds.
Ultimately, I don't think this will have the longevity of the 2016, but for today, it is providing one hell of a lot of wine sensory pleasure.
Black cherries, dark plums, tea leaves, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, leather, tar. Medum + body with soft but assertive tannins. Drinking great right now and paired beautifully with steak. Will go 5-10 more years in this format at least.
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Really fell short of reviews, but it seemed to open up just a tad as the night went on, so perhaps this is way too young. Did let breathe and decant, but it was what it was and I rated based on how we experienced it. Suggesting 2023 and no earlier.
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Deep ruby in the glass. A bit closed on the nose, not really give much, but you can detect a fantastic regional representation already. Some warm berry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, slight oak sweetness. This is on another level compared to their lower tiers, but also needs so much more time to open up. Great potential.
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Pretty deelish at this point. No clue how much time this has in front of it, and given how fast I've gone through a case I bought on release, I may not have any bottles even make it to 2022!
Lighter-bodied, with earthy red fruit on the palate. A touch of acerbity on the finish. Perfect with pasta & sausage on a Wednesday night.
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Wow, this is the sweetest, most forward young Monsanto I've ever tried. I was really surprised at how this just smacks you in the mouth with ripe fruit. It's not heavy or syrupy though, and there is sufficient acidity to carry it. I normally prefer these with some age but based on this showing this vintage may be at its best young. While the 2016 is also very open at the moment, it has more complexity and seems the better, more complete wine. This 2015, on the other hand, is just a pleasure to drink at the moment.
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Seems like this year was sweet spot for this vintage. Cherry, black fruit, leather. Nice acidity. Medium finish. Opens up really well, even over a short amount of time. On day two, unfortunately, it was dead.
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This has developed an nice earthy funkiness on the nose - I don't recall that from previous bottles, but I am a fan. Not quite as compelling on the palate, but for the money this is nice.
Cherry, fennel seed, and leather on the nose. Nice acidity to pair with a classic marinara sauce, meatballs and homemade spaghetti. Cherry, plum, and leather on the tongue. It is well balanced now, however the fruit will integrate better in a couple of years. Drink 2021 - 2025.
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Cooperative acidity and tannin even on the first day, when the predominant notes were of earthy cherry and leather. Day two I was very excited to uncork, pour, and fill my nose with a lovely, creamy, cherry liqueur, which showed as well on the palate, but with the whole perhaps just a touch softer than I was hoping. But a very nice wine. Havers may well be rewarded with a few years’ holding.
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Decanted for 25 minutes. Aromas of cherry, matchstick and raspberry. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and bit of earth. Ends with a 15 second finish with cherry notes. Drank next to the Fortuna Brunello Reserva and paired in comparison.
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Very nce. Gave a 5 hour decant. Red fruit, plum, and forest floor on the nose. Spiced plum, tart red berry, black pepper, and some toasty oak on the palate. Medium body, medium finish. I suspect this will improve quite a bit with age.
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I wish I could revise my first rating but another look at this wine and it is very flabby and unrefined.It doesn’t hold up the second day.It’s a pleasant pop and pour for a budget drinker.
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Started out with some funk in bouquet, slowly opened, tannin showed up and then smoothed out,great fruit, balance, drank easily with eggplant lasagna, one of my favs, will drink again but maybe the next vintage.
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tighter right now than the '16 and took a long time to open up, but very well balanced and delicious. Long finish and great cherry/smoke flavor profile.
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Solid stuff, a little bit of some stewed cherry on the palate along with something that tastes almost like herbal medicine. Juicy acidity and fine tannins.
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Wow. This is just classic, great Chianti. Tastes and smells like the history of rural Italy. Absolutely spot on and delicious. I am just loving this tonight.
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This is a really excellent Chianti Classico for the price. Very good typicity and just lovely with ragù (big surprise). There is a distinct note (herbal but not something I can define well) that I always get from this this wine.
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Black berries, tart cherry, cranberry, oak, firm tannins, medium acidity and medium to long finish. Still young and needs a few years to soften and integrate.
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I feel this bottle was consistent with others I have had. The nice cherry fruit is still present, with a little earthy touch to it. IT is excellent with the right food, in this case pizza and it is a wonderful wine at the price.
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Medium(+) bodied, with more dark, ripe fruit than some past vintages. This is approachable now, and will likely improve with 2-3 years in the cellar, once the elements come into balance. Will last 10-15 years, most likely.
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distinct nose and palate of kerosene. very unexpected and off putting. the petrol masked the brooding dark fruit underneath. my second of several bottles of this vintage. TDN or the relic of some reductive process? who knows. All I can tell you is that it didn't blow off after 3 hours of aeration. i see that several other reviewers had a similar experience so I doubt that this was a bottle flaw. any thoughts? petrol doesn't usually show up as a flavor/aromatic in red wines
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Opened a couple of hours before drinking. Dark ruby color, medium acidity and alcohol. Overall a still young Chianti, with fruit notes being predominant (cherry), then spices.
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Two hour decant. Deep rosy ruby color, with a slightly rusty rim. Maraschino cherry, petrol and pistachio on the earthy nose. Smooth, mouth filling and very dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the medium long finish. Decent, but very pedestrian and a touch reduced, even after decant.
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Opened last night with my wife. My first taste was after I had about 4 oz. of an oatmeal stout. The fruit exploded in my mouth. I really like sangiovese in general as an easy to drink red wine. I had this with fruitcake, the first taste of the season. I get dried cherry, some herbal notes, medium acid medium to low tannins. Really enjoyed the bottle.
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A year after my previous bottle, and this is showing a lot more charm and grace than the previous one. Crunchy red fruit, supported by firm acid, undertones of dried cherry and clods of wet earth. Yet more elegant than I remembered it showing last time. Modest tannins (for CCR) and ready to go now, but has the balance to age in the medium term effortlessly. Great QPR.
This is pretty good - the more I try Chianti from the '15 and '16 vintage, the more I become convinced that these are two pretty good vintages back to back.
Not overly complex, but a satisfying drink on a Wednesday night.
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Drank with dinner; there was cherry fruit very present in the aroma with some nice spice [vanilla, maybe nutmeg] as well. The flavors were just a bit funky at first but did develop after sitting in my glass for 15 - 20 minutes. Slightly less enjoyable than previous bottles but still very nice.
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Deep red color. Cherries and dry herbs on the nose. Medium body with somewhat unintegrated acidity. Notes of dark cherries, herbs and ceder on the palette. Quite enjoyable day 1 but really improves during a few days in the fridge. Will buy more of the 2016 that is said to be even better.
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The wine has a dark garnet appearance. The nose is quite spicy with dark cherries and a weedy quality. This profile continues into the palate but becomes rather muddled and indistinct. Acidity is elevated and the tannins are a bit grainy. Serviceable. 88 points day 1.
Day 2 Edit: the tannins have softened significantly and the cherry profile is brighter. Much better on day 2. Final score of 90.
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Red cherries and strawberries on the nose and palate. Popped and poured when I should have decanted it for at least and hour. The wine developed into a full-bodied cherry pie bomb as the night progressed. A great everyday wine for anybody who loves Sangiovese.
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Complex and tart, this wine is the complete antithesis to fruit bomb wines. The flavors are spicy, slightly herbal and minty, there is a hint of good brett adding even more depth. Dry and tart, the wine is excellent in adding background and depth to the food, yet it was lovely to sip the balance of the glass after the plate was empty. This wine would never do well in a competition, but it excellent at the table. It is fully developed, it will hold a few years, but further aging not needed.
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Sophisticated and rich, right off the bat the nose shows this is not a basic Chianti. Black cherry and plum, with cigar box spices and leather, structured and distinct. Seems built to age, but it’s drinking great already.
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Small pour at public tasting- tasted about 10 minutes after opening
pretty light-medium red color, lots of saddle and earth on the nose, black cherries, on the palate a fine cherry impact with dried herbs, plums, good length, tea leaves, ripe cuddly fruit, a fine and attractive wine that should show some additional evolution over the next few years, serious QPR here.
***+, now to 2030
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Dark red color. Medicinal (in a good way), tart cherry & strawberry on the nose. On palate, tart cherry, cherry, cough drop and rosemary. Medium body/acidity / tannins and long finish. 91+/-
Last bottle I had 5/2019 must have been flawed. Will probably pick up a few more bottles to let them age.
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Cherry, crushed herb both fresh and dry, subtle toast, iron, graphite -- an amazing balance of deep red fruit and minerality on the nose. Symphonic palate with the same notes, well integrated from start to finish. Medium+ acid and medium+ish tannins, great structure with really nice hold on the palate.
Pretty amazing value here. Additionally, I think this wine will continue to evolve nicely, the structure is clearly here and I think as this ages it will develop tertiary notes without losing anything else. Excellent.
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Leaves, leather herb and raspberry, rose and rosemary on the nose. Med red colour with with deep red core. Light bodied herb, red fruit. Pepper on entry. Midway through cacao tannins grip. Savoury. Tannins suck your cheeks in. Meat, herb, black cherry length. Blood and salty roast. Note for next bottle, eat with high fat marbled steak. Drink next bottle in 5-7 years. 4 out of 5. First bottle with Nick and Carl. 11 to go.
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Nice solid Chianti, if not the most "Chianti-ish" flavor profile. Ready to go, I don't detect the tannins others note here. Drinks nicely and holds up well with a Repour.
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This wine rocks, 2015 Chianti is a great vintage, lots of fruit but lots of tannin that should mellow over time, but right now the wine is drinking great, drank easily, complex, structured and yummy, Monsanto is a perennial fav, a great value, drank with steak Florentine with grass fed ph steak, will drink again, drink chianti with steak.
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Pop 'n pour. Pure Chianti Classico. Medium weight, good depth, balancing acidity. Agree with DAVEYK39's observation about aggressive tannin on the finish. Not disjointed but not completely in harmony either. This is enjoyable now, but I like to give this bottling 6+ years from vintage, and this 2015 is no exception. Recommend to hold until 2022. Should improve at least a couple of points.
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Gave 3h air, based on notes in CT that it was young and tight. Ate with a pasta dish with a fairly rich, sweet sauce.
Medium Ruby color. Red plum, raspberry, cocoa, compost, black pepper aromas. Creamy texture, medium body. Earthy red fruit on entry, with a spicy lift to the finish. Aggressive tannins drown most everything else out in the finish, but you can sense potential.
Very nice with the rich food. Less pleasant on its own. One to hold.
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medium ruby color; nose had red and black fruit, vanilla, spice; blackberry, currant, vanilla, something like cough medicine (but not in a bad way lol); medium acid, medium+ tannin. 14% ABV, cork. Very good wine. Buy it if you see it.
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Nice structure, needed a little bit of air. A little bit harsh, astringent, uneven early but improved...less drinkable than other chiantis but great value
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Can't find notes. Drank over 3 nights - best on night 2. I got the overpowering medicinal smell/flavor that I have had on certain vintages of this wine. Given other's reviews this may have been a flawed bottle. I prefer savory European wines but something was off about this bottle. NR
Deep cherry, black walnut, char broiled steak, green olive and blueberry. Exceptionally long, with bright, fine tannins, and the wine itself is a few layers deep. Primary and very age worthy; there’s decadence, raciness - along with austerity. Drink 2021 - 2036.
Ruby red in color. Strong cherry nose and red fruits with some tannins on palate. As others have noted, the early impressions out of the decanter for nose/palate were not positive, but with time the wine evolved nicely. Still youthful.
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Based on other tasters comments decanted this first and think it paid off. Also agree with others that despite the decant, the first sniff and taste had something unpleasant almost rubbery, but this blew off in a few minutes.
Dark garnet in the glass. Nose of dark cherries, dried herbs, plum and a whiff of tobacco. Palate was a bit more austere than the nose, but red fruits and spice came through. Finish had nice balance and overall the bottle improved over the 2-3 hours it was open. Went nicely with Tomatoes Apizza white pizza.
Overall, enjoyable and at the Costco price of $19 a nice buy.
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Tasted again at the insistence of several board members. No brett no skunk this time, but not a bottle I would seek out again. Too many great achievers in 2015 from Italy to chase this.
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I agree with KEND707’s assessment. I must say at the outset that, in general, I love Italian food but don’t care for Italian wine. This Chianti Classico Riserva is no exception, despite its high professional reviews. Sorry, but a barnyard bouquet that persists 4 hours after opening the bottle and decanting it is unacceptable to me. More importantly, while the palate is clean and crisp, it is austere, simple, and has a very short finish that is more in line with a simple $10 wine. Not for me.
Initial opening was a rubbery smell, after a few minutes and trying the second glass, the smooth, well-balanced finish with less noticeable bitterness, tannins in flavor, this wine definitely need additional years of aging, better to drink after 2025.
A solid score of 90+
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Nice deep garnet/ruby color and a strong nose of cherry with a little leather/tar notes too. I also get some milk chocolate aroma. On the palette I immediately get cherry and some mineral touches as well. There is a nice tartness in the medium length finish. A very enjoyable wine.
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Subtle and smooth. Silky finish with wonderful balance of flavor and tannins. This wine should age for a long time and be a future treasure. I think this wine will pair with pasta and tomato sauce very well.
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This is open and alive in the glass. This drinks like a 100 dollar plus bottle of wine. The nose is alive with dark cherry and plum. The fruit on the palate is dried plums, chocolate and dark cherries with a medium long finish. This is a great wine to drink now. This may gain some weight with age but I am Not sure it has structure to do so.
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Popped about 1.5 hours before drinking. Aromas of cherry, tar, leather and matchstick. Flavors of cherry, currant, boysenberry and touch of black olive. Ends with a 20+ second finish with an iron note. This is more of a burgundy lovers chianti, more subtle than in your face. Probably needed more time and has the stuffing to benefit from a few years of aging.
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86-87pts. Thought this was just ok, weak overall for its level. Hopefully it just needs more time to come together but right now it seems disjointed with underripe fruit and a tad bit of stemy flavor. Will try another bottle soon to confirm this .
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Typically, "Vinified in steel with a maceration of about 20 days, and as a second passage, it is aged in smaller wooden barrels for about 18 mos, to then rest for a minimum of 3 months in glass. Composition of the grapes : 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo & Colorino."
N: Some barnyd init, blowing to smoke atop RIPE berries
P: Med, pos LM, body; NICE ft met by astringent pucke which only somewhat resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness & very, VERY slight bitterness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its 10th. 14% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, which may very well be on the low side as this is more rustic than MY "ideal". 96 pts Suckling, 95 The Wine Front, 94 WS, 93 CostcoWineBlog, & 90 WA. [This vendor's $21.95 puts it in the bottom of the TOP 1/3 of wine-searcher's entries, although at least SOME Costcos may be selling it for $17.99, which is $2 < wine-searcher's lowest!]
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P: LM body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which loses the majority of its bit by the LONG, BITTER/swt (60:40) finish. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its 10th. 14% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, & I may well be giving it short shrift. 96 pts Suckling, 95 The Wine Front, 94 WS, 93 CostcoWineBlog, & 90 WA. [This vendor's $21.95 puts it in the bottom of the TOP 1/3 of wine-searcher's entries, although at least SOME Costcos may be selling it for $17.99, which is $2 < wine-searcher's lowest!]
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Deep, dark garnet in color. Full, fragrant & attractive nose of ripe fruit aromas of red cherries, strawberries & plums with overtones of dried herbs & earthy/dusty notes, some tea & spice notes, minerals/loam & a hint of cedar in the background. Medium bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of sour cherries, strawberries & cranberries with herbs, earthy, minerals, spices & a touch of oak. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & airing but definitely has the potential for further development with additional aging.
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A very refined Chianti, smooth, a bit grapey, balanced, good fruit, needs more acid, low tannin, got a bit tiresome as we drank it, drank with pizza and salad, usually one of my favs, a good vintage but not great, at least at the moment, not sure if it will develop, will drink again.
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The wine is clean, Ruby red core with a very thin watery rim, youthfull
Nose is clean, medium intense aromas of cherries, dark cherries, herbs Provence, dust, very typical chianti nose but a bit too young/holding, developing
Palate is dry, medium ripe tannins, medium alcohol body and flavour intensity with high dry-extract with aromas of black cherries, crushed black pepper, herbs, cherries, oak, medium finish
Well balanced and medium finish, quite intense ND needs some time to settle, medium+ complexity and high concentration. Drink 2023-2035. Very good quality 90p with a big potential for improvment
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Excellent Chianti Classico. Medium body, bright cranberry and cherry, meaty/earthy, hints of herbs. Delicious pairing with lamb meatball stew with dill. Drinking great now.
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Good, although I agree with Saxman below on preferring Felsina to this. Day 1: lovely focused Sangiovese red fruit nose, tightly wound, savory, a bit of nice rustic fruit, and a bit of dried herbs and wet earth. Day 2 it’s looser, showing a bit drier earth with a slightly unattractive astringency. Traditional Chianti Classico.
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Not sure it warrants the high ratings it had received in the press. However, it is an enjoyable Chianti, though I prefer Felsina or Isole E Olena as my everyday Chianti. Lately, I have been disappointed with the wine rating system, especially those wines rated 95 or higher.
Dark but clear magenta in the glass with somewhat muted nose of earth and herbs. On the palate the wine is quiet at first, with all notes restrained but nicely balanced. After an hour dark red fruit came forward with more earth and that herbal notes, probably basil. Good acidity that was just fine for us with a medium-plus finish. Really nice wine from a good year, which could turn us on to Chianti, but it lacked a bit of complexity for us.
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Nice wine. Good balance, though the acidity is a little bright. I like the tannins that carry through to the end. Typical chianti flavours. Not sure it has the life some critics are claiming, but ultimately that will be down to how the acidity integrates.
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This wine got an over the top score and write up at WS. My bottle did not taste like that. Very young it really needs time. My 87 is based on initial impressions. This wine needs decanting. It has LOTS of acid, maybe too much.
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Really great example of Chianti Classico. This is well-balanced and drinking well now. I should have purchased more! I have a few more and I think this will improve over the next few years.
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Interesting wine, tannins on the outside with a core of excellent fruit, WS review is over the top, wine did not flow easily, sort of a Napa cab from Tuscany, need to try again, drank with veal chops.
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Let this aerate for an hour and it was very nice but not earth-shattering—still a bit muted. I will let the remaining bottles age in cellar and see what develops.
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My first time seriously evaluating Chianti so my review should be taken for what it is as I do wonder if my palate isn’t quite there yet for this one or perhaps I drank this much too young. Some hints of fruit, tobacco and earth on the palate which is great because the nose was awful at first but opened up with some time. Medium body, tannins and acidity. Overall enjoyable and at $20 a bottle might pick up a bottle to put in the cellar for fun.
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dark garnet color with a nose of black cherry, black raspberry, and plum with hints of leather and wet earth. this is a medium bodied wine with plenty of tannins right out of the gate. Rather unenjoyable upon opening, the wine was tasted an hour later with much better results. the tannins had softened considerably allowing the wine to open up and show its layers of red berry and cherry, along with some earthiness and oak. the finish brings with it a hint of tar and a promise of good things to come with some cellaring. there's a purity of fruit here that is enticing. the combination of good acidity, balance, and ripe (not over-ripe) fruit lead me to believe that this wine could be interesting 10 years down the road. It's not a huge wine by any measure but sure to be a crowd pleaser. give it time to open up and the nuances of this well made chianti pop to the surface
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This wine is a lovely bright, translucent garnet color with a crimson edge. The nose is fresh, lightly floral and spicy with red fruit in the background. There is a slight whiff of alcohol but the label says just 14%. It has moderate tannins and medium-to-high acidity...very bright on the attack. Palate shows tart cherry, red plum and some pipe tobacco and vanilla on the finish. This seems to drink best over the first hour or two that it was poured, after 2 hours it got a bitter edge to it but perhaps it needs an even longer decant as suggested by ShellyLowen and Vinus_Operandi in other tasting notes. Certainly delicious with most any pasta dish or pork, veal or chicken with mushrooms. Solid and a good QPR.
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Fruity nose, dense and silly tannins, plum and black cherry, long finish, and high acidity. For now, decant for 3-4 hours. Super vintage for a very good price.
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5/1/2024 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Planning Session (Brad's Place, St. Paul, MN): Dark red color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 2 hours plus. Very consistent with my previous notes. Black cherry fruit, tar, anise, kirsch, eathy, crushed rocks, tannins are still notable.
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4/14/2024 - Bryan49 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious. Dried cherries, leather, earth with substantial acidity. Medium body and finish. Excellent pairing with red sauce (pasta, lasagna). In a very nice place to drink now.
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3/24/2024 - WY Leonidas Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep garnet to ruby. Beautiful aromatics that just scream of central Chianti. Leather, ripe red cherry, herbs, juniper, and warm spices.
Beautiful mouth feel - silky smooth. Dry herbs, dried cherry, blood orange, and a crushed stone minerality. Cocoa finish.
Drinking perfectly right now. Yum!
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3/3/2024 - Bryan49 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Love it. Great match with pizza or pasta! Red fruit, structure & acidity. Nice nose & stands up well to most Italian food.
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3/1/2024 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
PnP., nearing a peak plateau, a space it will occupy for some time. VG, now, and more so considering my first thoughts when introduced on release. Red-fruited, with a med body, classic typicity, lively acid, etc. From a solar year that required great care to manage. Bravo. Now and the next decade+; likely to improve a bit. For its full potential, it's highly recommended
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
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2/22/2024 - aknot13 wrote: flawed
Corked :-(
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1/14/2024 - Fftjr Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good deep red color. Medium to light body. Plenty of berry, a little spice. Fair tannin. Would decant 2-3 next time.
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1/11/2024 - Bryan995 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking incredibly well right now. Scored this beauty on clearance at my local Costco. Was marked down to … $6.97! Purchased 18 in total. If only they had more out back.
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1/10/2024 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Pizza Night on the Parkway (Candie's, Mpls): Dark red color. Small glass. Nice, tar, lacy, black cherry liqueur, kirsch, earthy, fine. Similar to a previous note.
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1/9/2024 - shellylowen Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opens up after an hour
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1/6/2024 - DB Lawton Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fantastic, dark Chianti withe cherry and good acidity. Had with pizza. The Daughter thought she picked up oysters in it and did not abide
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12/31/2023 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
PnP, ready. The last from a bunch picked up at Costco for just $19; crazy good price considering the quality. Crazy. For my palate, this is now in its preferred plateau (I wasn't nearly as satisfied just after release). Acids, red fruits, earth, dust, and some blond tobacco are all settled in their place now; should hold here for several years. recommended+
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
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11/13/2023 - sleepyhaus wrote:
Although Monsanto usually handles mid-term aging well, I'd say that based on this bottle it is time to drink up on the '15s. Again a touch of brett upon opening, then a bottle showing a more maturity than expected. Pleasant, but I will plan to drink my final bottle soon. This may simply be an early-maturing vintage or my bottles may have seen suboptimal conditions prior to arrival. Pleasant, and nothing wrong, but more advanced than I'd expected.
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10/13/2023 - Bob H wrote:
My last bottle from a case bought on release - this has been "steady Eddy" - just a nice Chianti for a good price that consistently delivers. Sad to see this go, but I still have a few 2010's and 2016's left to tide me over.
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9/23/2023 - crewald wrote:
Served together with Matteo Cracci's pasta carbonara after Aperol spritzes. Great meal but insufficient pasta. The wine was solid but could have stoood another five years on the cellar and another hour of decanting. Cherries and berries and a touch too much tannic backbone.
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9/2/2023 - dbay Likes this wine: 90 Points
Medium ruby. On the nose medium intensity red cherry, vanilla, dried herbs, leather, earth, black plum. On the palate the wine is dry with high acidity, high alcohol, medium plus tannins, ripe and chalky, medium plus body. Flavor intensity is medium plus with red cherry, vanilla, dried herbs, leather, earth, black plum. Finish is medium with vanilla and black plum. Very good wine, balanced, some complexity, w/ concentration and intensity. Could still go some years.
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8/7/2023 - winemaker Likes this wine: 91 Points
Classic Monsanto. Savory, herbal, cherry fruit, a bit of earth.
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6/27/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Better again than the last one. Feels balanced, nice energy but the acidity is not so cutting.
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6/25/2023 - JNebs Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry and violets followed by smoke, leather, and tar; balanced acidity, fine tannins. This after 1-hour decant.
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5/2/2023 - jhrabideau Likes this wine: 93 Points
Popped and poured on a Tuesday--something of a discourtesy, for sure, to a Classico Riserva.
That said: lilac, violets and rose on the nose, with a compact, elegant band of red fruit: cherries, currants, lychee. A broadening balsam and spruce note becomes apparent aft, along with a cleansing mineral scour.
Tannins, though present, are quite fine--not a major need to even decant. That said, the acidity speaks to another ten years' longevity. However, exceptionally drinkable now.
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4/3/2023 - winemaker Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needs a 2 hour decant. Classic CC.
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2/25/2023 - BoxerBee Likes this wine: 91 Points
Rose and lilac intermingle with currants, peach, lychee (the latter two revealing the hot vintage), licorice and oak spices. There is a sweetness to the fruit and the spices that is a little out of place for a Chianti Classico, but beautiful acidity provides lift. The tannins' textural feel somehow reminds me of suede. Not the most classical of Chianti Classicos, but I like it even so. I do not think it will improve from further cellaring, but it should drink well for at least 5 more years.
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2/19/2023 - Achermann Likes this wine: 91 Points
Blackcurrant, blueberries, dried herbs, a little pepper, tomato skin.
I actually think tie bottle was more accessible than a year ago. It's still young, though. Still tannins and acidity for the longer run.
Hold.
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2/1/2023 - AlphaMikeFoxtrot Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last time I had this was en magnum in the summer of 2021. I said to age it 5-10 years more and I still stand by that. Well, maybe closer to 5 from a .750 but still. This CCR is nowhere near ready.
Reductivity that blew off after an hour. Blueberries, blackcurrants, tomato leaf on nose. More savory on the palate - tomato leaf bay leaf and black pepper with a hint of dark fruits. Medium + body, medium + acid and tannins that show no signs of disappearing. Developing. Hold for at least 5 more years.
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12/27/2022 - Bob H wrote:
Very good - unfortunately, my next to last bottle; I bought a case on release, and I should have gotten two. Red fruits and good acidity on the palate - very Chianti.
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12/11/2022 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Better than I remember, has more of a brooding dark fruit profile, not too acidic.
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12/3/2022 - Tobinski wrote:
So I have this habit of opening Monsanto CCRs around the 7 year mark. Typically they just taste shut down on PnP but not particularly imposing, and then start singing after a 1-2 hour decant. Not so here. Very primary at first with a nose dominated by an aroma resembling burnt rubber. This remained tightly coiled and edgy with air—the palate never revealing much more then dense underripe plums. Needs much more time, but I suspect it will always be an atypical version, never reaching the understated harmony that is the common thread of both cooler vintages like 13 and 14, and warmer vintages like 11 and 12.
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12/3/2022 - rcg62 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose dominated by red fruits, but there are floral, violet notes and some plum too. A bit of a different palate profile for a Chianti. Medium bodied. Soft mouth feel, more plush than acid. Some blueberry fruit in the mix as well. A bit odd in a way, but it works as it’s quite tasty, and in a good place age-wise. Great value.
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11/16/2022 - pinkhouse Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted for an hour and this wine is starting to drink very well. Dark fruit profile, and well balanced. Should be in its window for quite awhile. Excellent value.
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11/13/2022 - Bryan49 Likes this wine: 91 Points
1st bottle of case. Decanted via Vinturi. Drinking nicely now. Nose of cherry, floral notes, forest floor. Structure stood up nicely to Spaghetti, Red Sauce & Meatballs.
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10/1/2022 - jayrod wrote: 90 Points
Still much too young imo, but I think this will be a very good bottle of wine with two or three more years of sleep.
Now I just need to keep my hands off of the rest of them.
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9/23/2022 - Bob H wrote:
An interesting comparison with the '15 Felsina CCR I just opened. Not as compelling on the nose, but this is lighter-bodied and more acidic on the palate. And while I appreciate a good nose as much as most folks, in the final analysis I do want to drink the wine, and today this Monsanto is hitting the bullseye on the palate for Chianti typicity. I will be curious to see which wine my better half prefers today.
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8/30/2022 - jmoore431 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wildflowers and candied cherry nose, same on a surprisingly tight (almost austere) soil-inflected and peppery palate. This cries out for food now, years in bottle should tame the beast. 91+
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8/1/2022 - jkscully Likes this wine:
This has the nice bright cherry flavor, plums, and black currant that I liked to see in Chianti. It’s not super complex, but it’s happy and delightful. I do get the mushrooms and vegetal flavors, though in a nice way, along with smoke good minerality, and what someone else on CT called “Tuscan dust.” This is very good for $24 and, compared to several of the other budget Chiantis that I’ve had recently, this one is better (it is a Riserva).
This drank well as soon as I popped the cork, but it also developed well over the course of the evening. It was even better the second day as developed thickness. This is one to get again and again if you are looking for affordable Chianti.
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7/1/2022 - A_rytter wrote:
Normal red. Nose of dark berries, some caramel or milkyness, quite approacheable from the get go. Fine ballanced easy drinking.
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5/13/2022 - A_rytter wrote:
Some what dark fruit. Some notes of wood. Fresh acidity and fairly ballanced right after opening.
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4/1/2022 - Colinmji Likes this wine: 95 Points
Very good to excellent on D1. Great taste of Italy - olive oil over tones.
D2 lost it all.
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3/1/2022 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 89 Points
So I said 2023 and I drank the second bottle. It is too young but I updated my ratings.”
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2/16/2022 - rocknroller wrote: 90 Points
Pizza Night Italiano (Matt and Brenda's): Dark red color. PNP, drank a glass over 90 minutes. This was quite funky, darker fruits, round and nicely textured with a velveteen feel, lots of earth, long, tannins are engaged but but not grippy. This got much better over the evening. 90-91(+)pts.
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2/6/2022 - sleepyhaus wrote:
Not the best showing. A good bit of brett resolved somewhat in the decanter, but this never really strutted its stuff. For a vintage of Monsanto which has been remarkably and unusually open during its early life, this may be shutting down a bit. Probably hold the remaining bottles for a couple of years before revisiting.
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1/29/2022 - WineZac Likes this wine: 91 Points
Day 1: very green, grassy notes. Drinks like a very young wine. Slightly minty and could mistake for a Coonawarra Cabernet in a blind tasting.
Day 2: opened a bit, slightly more fruit driven. Undertones of oak which is not overpowering, nice tannin structure. Less green/grass notes, but still far too young. If you have these, hold off. Scoring more on potential.
Thanks for sharing ND.
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1/9/2022 - Achermann Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not as accessible and ready as the 2016 that I had some months ago. Hold.
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1/2/2022 - rahul_d_chatter@yahoo.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
One of the best examples of Chianti out there. Pours to a deep ruby color. Pnp through Venturi. Classic notes of cherries, tobacco, minerals, junipers, pepper, and herbs. Medium bodied, medium+ acidity, firm tannins, and medium+ finish. Bright expression of tart fruits coupled with earthy broodiness of disciplined tannins. Pure expression of a good Chianti - rustic notes that is well integrated with the refined winemaking. This would be a delight with grilled meats and pizza. WS 94 pts, JS 96 pts are quite generous, but shine the light on very good and true representation of a Chianti riserva.
Repeat purchase? Yes
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12/29/2021 - Worldb Likes this wine: 90 Points
First bottle 6 months ago was so off that it must have been flawed...strong manure odor and flat. This time it was delicious. Medium tannins with sour cherries/cedar/tobacco and good balancing acid. Excellent qpr at Costco but they don't stick around long.
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12/24/2021 - Laz4wine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rustic and tasty.
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10/8/2021 - Screwcaps Likes this wine: 94 Points
Clean bottle/cork this time. A step up on a few weeks back. Herbal notes really coming into the wine this time. Much more clarity of flavour through the finish too. Less the musty notes, and the better glassware, this is borderline outstanding. 94.
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9/28/2021 - Screwcaps Likes this wine: 93 Points
15 Monsanto Riserva.
After 90 mins pop and pour it really finds its groove. Medium bodied, round and vibrant and modern red cherry with medium acidity and medium tannins. A slight musty note that blew off, this excellent wine has entered its drinking window and will drink well for the next 6-ish years. Feels mid-life. Excellent 93.
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9/1/2021 - wtianseter wrote: 89 Points
Monsanto Riserva is a consistent, very nice wine. This bottle was a bit less than I am used to. There was a bit of un-constructive tension in this bottle. otherwise is was typical leather and tobacco leading into a nice smooth body and a tight tannin finish.
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8/22/2021 - Grochol Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nose: cherry, red currant and black currant, tobacco, forest floor, wet stones, violets
Taste: full bodied, medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, cherry, red berries, earth, tobacco, mineral notes, tea, fresh, juicy, elegant, balanced, better on day 2, 90+
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8/17/2021 - Condrieu82 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose gives out some dark cherries, but nothing too aromatic - perhaps lack of decanting hurt this. Let it sit 15 minutes in the glass. Round, fresh, but with lively acidity, dark cherries, plums, and a distinct espresso finish, some tar, with some oak and somewhat grippy tannins. Another very good Chianti from 2015 - a good vintage indeed.
P.S.
- on day three, some of the fruits were fading away but the nose gained strong espresso hints
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6/24/2021 - Bob H wrote:
From a bottle opened at dinner last night.
Of the three Monsanto's, this was the "biggest" wine, and all three tasters had it as their favorite in the trio. Earthy red and black fruit on the nose. Expansive on the palate - this really spreads out and covers every nook and cranny of your taste buds.
Ultimately, I don't think this will have the longevity of the 2016, but for today, it is providing one hell of a lot of wine sensory pleasure.
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6/19/2021 - oldcabman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid Chianti, sporting all the qualities you would expect from a well made wine. Aging may help, but why wait?
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6/18/2021 - AlphaMikeFoxtrot Likes this wine: 91 Points
From a magnum for Lauren's 40th birthday!
Black cherries, dark plums, tea leaves, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, leather, tar. Medum + body with soft but assertive tannins. Drinking great right now and paired beautifully with steak. Will go 5-10 more years in this format at least.
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6/17/2021 - fdub Likes this wine: 93 Points
I love Chianti and this is a great producer in a great vintage really showing nice grilled herbs and cherry fruits. Nice balance and body.
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5/16/2021 - JazzManWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Just entering drinking window for me. Another year or so will be a plus. Nice nose and taste. Very enjoyable for price point.
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4/28/2021 - Arcturus wrote: 88 Points
Decent Chianti but prefer Isole, Felsina, Fontodi, Poggerino or Castagnoli.
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4/9/2021 - Z1nnfull wrote: 89 Points
Really fell short of reviews, but it seemed to open up just a tad as the night went on, so perhaps this is way too young. Did let breathe and decant, but it was what it was and I rated based on how we experienced it.
Suggesting 2023 and no earlier.
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3/26/2021 - grapenomad wrote: 91 Points
Deep ruby in the glass. A bit closed on the nose, not really give much, but you can detect a fantastic regional representation already. Some warm berry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, slight oak sweetness. This is on another level compared to their lower tiers, but also needs so much more time to open up. Great potential.
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3/18/2021 - jayrod wrote: 90 Points
Was a very tasty wine that really improved over the course o the evening. I feel this needs at least an hour decant to show well.
Drank too young and will wait a few years for the next
J/
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3/17/2021 - Bob H wrote:
Pretty deelish at this point. No clue how much time this has in front of it, and given how fast I've gone through a case I bought on release, I may not have any bottles even make it to 2022!
Lighter-bodied, with earthy red fruit on the palate. A touch of acerbity on the finish. Perfect with pasta & sausage on a Wednesday night.
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3/4/2021 - Cellarseller Likes this wine: 92 Points
After aeration it delivered nice fruit, texture and finish. Still young- will age.
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2/24/2021 - shellylowen Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry, tar, licorice, leather, lots of smooth tannins, high acid, medium long finish. Wine is ready to drink
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2/20/2021 - sleepyhaus wrote:
Wow, this is the sweetest, most forward young Monsanto I've ever tried. I was really surprised at how this just smacks you in the mouth with ripe fruit. It's not heavy or syrupy though, and there is sufficient acidity to carry it. I normally prefer these with some age but based on this showing this vintage may be at its best young. While the 2016 is also very open at the moment, it has more complexity and seems the better, more complete wine. This 2015, on the other hand, is just a pleasure to drink at the moment.
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2/3/2021 - DDicaprio Likes this wine: 92 Points
Seems like this year was sweet spot for this vintage. Cherry, black fruit, leather. Nice acidity. Medium finish. Opens up really well, even over a short amount of time. On day two, unfortunately, it was dead.
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12/31/2020 - Bob H wrote:
This has developed an nice earthy funkiness on the nose - I don't recall that from previous bottles, but I am a fan. Not quite as compelling on the palate, but for the money this is nice.
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12/21/2020 - Jayarr wrote: 88 Points
Ok. Nothing special.
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12/19/2020 - fdub Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really yummy with lamb rib chops! Love the rustic nature of the wine.
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11/24/2020 - kgoldsbe Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry, fennel seed, and leather on the nose. Nice acidity to pair with a classic marinara sauce, meatballs and homemade spaghetti. Cherry, plum, and leather on the tongue. It is well balanced now, however the fruit will integrate better in a couple of years. Drink 2021 - 2025.
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11/16/2020 - Necowine wrote: 88 Points
Cooperative acidity and tannin even on the first day, when the predominant notes were of earthy cherry and leather. Day two I was very excited to uncork, pour, and fill my nose with a lovely, creamy, cherry liqueur, which showed as well on the palate, but with the whole perhaps just a touch softer than I was hoping. But a very nice wine. Havers may well be rewarded with a few years’ holding.
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11/8/2020 - robmatic wrote: 89 Points
Juicy fruit, though the candy sweetness is almost too much. Plenty of character and overall very enjoyable wine.
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10/18/2020 - slywka7 wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for 25 minutes. Aromas of cherry, matchstick and raspberry. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and bit of earth. Ends with a 15 second finish with cherry notes. Drank next to the Fortuna Brunello Reserva and paired in comparison.
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10/10/2020 - CabinConnoisseur Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nce. Gave a 5 hour decant. Red fruit, plum, and forest floor on the nose. Spiced plum, tart red berry, black pepper, and some toasty oak on the palate. Medium body, medium finish. I suspect this will improve quite a bit with age.
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10/4/2020 - Rond Likes this wine: 93 Points
After being decanted for an hour, it opened up nicely.
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9/17/2020 - redz wrote: 90 Points
full bodied, a little musty in a good way. Dark berry, smooth, nice finish
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9/17/2020 - UFGators wrote: 90 Points
I wish I could revise my first rating but another look at this wine and it is very flabby and unrefined.It doesn’t hold up the second day.It’s a pleasant pop and pour for a budget drinker.
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8/21/2020 - robmatic wrote: 90 Points
Very nice wine. Plump and potent.
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8/9/2020 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 90 Points
plenty of juicy red fruit, plum and currant with mild acidity - making this very easy to drink
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8/7/2020 - CharlatanDario wrote: 86 Points
not as great as previous bottles.
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7/31/2020 - danielbleier wrote:
no notes taken
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7/26/2020 - lolo66 wrote: 86 Points
fine but harsh on entry and rather rustic.
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7/25/2020 - schicker-not wrote: 88 Points
Drank with eggplant parm. Good but not great. Maybe some more time in the bottle would help.
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7/23/2020 - mwneil Likes this wine: 92 Points
Started out with some funk in bouquet, slowly opened, tannin showed up and then smoothed out,great fruit, balance, drank easily with eggplant lasagna, one of my favs, will drink again but maybe the next vintage.
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7/16/2020 - raydawgone Likes this wine: 93 Points
2-hour decant, outstanding QPR! Definitely going back for more! Dried cherry, hint of raspberry. Excellent acidity. In solid drink window.
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7/13/2020 - NCWino1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great value for $20. Needs a couple hour decant or wait for three years and it should be singing.
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7/1/2020 - Cmainardi wrote: 91 Points
Always a great choice for Chianti Classico. In a stellar vintage like 2015, it is a sure thing.
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6/6/2020 - CAP Likes this wine: 92 Points
tighter right now than the '16 and took a long time to open up, but very well balanced and delicious. Long finish and great cherry/smoke flavor profile.
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6/4/2020 - fdub Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great perfume. Smoke, ash and sweet tobacco. Great balance in the mouth.
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6/3/2020 - mrkurtz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Solid stuff, a little bit of some stewed cherry on the palate along with something that tastes almost like herbal medicine. Juicy acidity and fine tannins.
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6/1/2020 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 91 Points
Better on day-2. Lot to like here for $20. Baby Brunello.
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5/29/2020 - Asheron Does not like this wine: 84 Points
Needs to breath. Earthy
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5/15/2020 - maxmanx wrote:
Decanted but way too early. HOLD!
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4/29/2020 - Bax62 wrote: 89 Points
Elegant structure and a nice example of Chianti Classico.
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4/28/2020 - STM82 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted over night. Really beautiful. No formal notes though
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4/26/2020 - WineKnut Likes this wine: 89 Points
Heading in the right direction. Still a decent value. Spaghetti Bolognese and pizza was the pairing. Cliche for sure.
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4/21/2020 - marissan5 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Goes really well with red sauce and pasta!
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4/19/2020 - thirdeye99 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Intensely funky and off at first. (and I typically love funk). Decanting for 1 - 2 hours opened it up into a nice wine.
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4/18/2020 - DianaPaul Likes this wine: 89 Points
Found that second day and second 1/2 of bottle appeared to improve taste profiles. I did not decant or give it much time to open on initial tasting.
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4/15/2020 - Shrages wrote: 92 Points
Wow. This is just classic, great Chianti. Tastes and smells like the history of rural Italy. Absolutely spot on and delicious. I am just loving this tonight.
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3/30/2020 - Nojomoschwa Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is a really excellent Chianti Classico for the price. Very good typicity and just lovely with ragù (big surprise). There is a distinct note (herbal but not something I can define well) that I always get from this this wine.
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3/21/2020 - Wine2372 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark cherry with some wood and a wisp of gaminess. Balanced acidity, med-full mouthfeel. Good food wine, will improve with time. Nice QPR.
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3/18/2020 - Tonythefish Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice easy drinking with muted cherry tones
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3/18/2020 - Bob H wrote:
Earthy cherry fruit on the nose.
Nicely expansive on the palate - solid if less than stellar, but all in, good QPR.
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3/14/2020 - franm Likes this wine: 90 Points
cheers - wine folly tasting, very enjoyable
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3/12/2020 - 424westend Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Industrial taste. Very blah.
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3/1/2020 - Tibo2004 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Excellent Chianti. Needs time to open up. Strong
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2/23/2020 - VinNoobie wrote: 88 Points
Black berries, tart cherry, cranberry, oak, firm tannins, medium acidity and medium to long finish. Still young and needs a few years to soften and integrate.
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2/13/2020 - vfccpa123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
I feel this bottle was consistent with others I have had. The nice cherry fruit is still present, with a little earthy touch to it. IT is excellent with the right food, in this case pizza and it is a wonderful wine at the price.
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2/9/2020 - PasoWallaWill Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dry savory notes on the nose.
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2/1/2020 - EMTAME wrote: 90 Points
Medium(+) bodied, with more dark, ripe fruit than some past vintages. This is approachable now, and will likely improve with 2-3 years in the cellar, once the elements come into balance. Will last 10-15 years, most likely.
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1/17/2020 - vinus_operandi Does not like this wine: 87 Points
distinct nose and palate of kerosene. very unexpected and off putting. the petrol masked the brooding dark fruit underneath. my second of several bottles of this vintage. TDN or the relic of some reductive process? who knows. All I can tell you is that it didn't blow off after 3 hours of aeration. i see that several other reviewers had a similar experience so I doubt that this was a bottle flaw. any thoughts? petrol doesn't usually show up as a flavor/aromatic in red wines
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1/11/2020 - 69Voltage wrote: 91 Points
94 and a Smart Buy from WS
Earthy nose, medium+ bodied with noticeable tannins followed by a long finish. Still young and will benefit from time.
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1/4/2020 - bacca Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened a couple of hours before drinking. Dark ruby color, medium acidity and alcohol. Overall a still young Chianti, with fruit notes being predominant (cherry), then spices.
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12/14/2019 - AGELVIS Does not like this wine: 87 Points
Two hour decant. Deep rosy ruby color, with a slightly rusty rim. Maraschino cherry, petrol and pistachio on the earthy nose. Smooth, mouth filling and very dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the medium long finish. Decent, but very pedestrian and a touch reduced, even after decant.
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12/14/2019 - Christian De Lafoye wrote: 92 Points
Opened last night with my wife. My first taste was after I had about 4 oz. of an oatmeal stout. The fruit exploded in my mouth. I really like sangiovese in general as an easy to drink red wine. I had this with fruitcake, the first taste of the season. I get dried cherry, some herbal notes, medium acid medium to low tannins. Really enjoyed the bottle.
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12/14/2019 - ohne_musik wrote: 91 Points
A year after my previous bottle, and this is showing a lot more charm and grace than the previous one. Crunchy red fruit, supported by firm acid, undertones of dried cherry and clods of wet earth. Yet more elegant than I remembered it showing last time. Modest tannins (for CCR) and ready to go now, but has the balance to age in the medium term effortlessly. Great QPR.
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12/1/2019 - DCwhiner Likes this wine:
Featured wine at upscale, outdoor dinner in Cortona
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12/1/2019 - DCwhiner Likes this wine:
Good
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11/30/2019 - WineKnut Likes this wine: 88 Points
Tasted after some fatigue had set in... Great QPR and pretty sure it will improve quite a bit.
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11/28/2019 - Chef419 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Full-bodied and well balanced with flavors of cherry, black currant and leather. Needs time to open up.
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11/20/2019 - Bob H wrote:
This is pretty good - the more I try Chianti from the '15 and '16 vintage, the more I become convinced that these are two pretty good vintages back to back.
Not overly complex, but a satisfying drink on a Wednesday night.
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11/18/2019 - vfccpa123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drank with dinner; there was cherry fruit very present in the aroma with some nice spice [vanilla, maybe nutmeg] as well. The flavors were just a bit funky at first but did develop after sitting in my glass for 15 - 20 minutes. Slightly less enjoyable than previous bottles but still very nice.
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11/8/2019 - Nyllet wrote: 89 Points
Deep red color. Cherries and dry herbs on the nose. Medium body with somewhat unintegrated acidity. Notes of dark cherries, herbs and ceder on the palette. Quite enjoyable day 1 but really improves during a few days in the fridge. Will buy more of the 2016 that is said to be even better.
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10/29/2019 - poppacork wrote: 90 Points
The wine has a dark garnet appearance. The nose is quite spicy with dark cherries and a weedy quality. This profile continues into the palate but becomes rather muddled and indistinct. Acidity is elevated and the tannins are a bit grainy. Serviceable. 88 points day 1.
Day 2 Edit: the tannins have softened significantly and the cherry profile is brighter. Much better on day 2. Final score of 90.
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10/28/2019 - jsjones Likes this wine: 89 Points
Cherries, fairly light bodied. Medium finish.
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10/14/2019 - Rollerball wrote:
Decent purity and clarity. A really nice bottle of wine and a recommended purchase, drinking well now with a quick decant.
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10/11/2019 - jcampano Likes this wine: 92 Points
Red cherries and strawberries on the nose and palate. Popped and poured when I should have decanted it for at least and hour. The wine developed into a full-bodied cherry pie bomb as the night progressed. A great everyday wine for anybody who loves Sangiovese.
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10/7/2019 - QPRwines Likes this wine: 90 Points
One of the best QPR Chianti’s. Jammy and fruity but not overdone. This is esp spectaculat if you pair it with the right food.
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9/28/2019 - Christian De Lafoye wrote:
Had this wine at Trattoria No.10 in Chicago. My wife really liked it as well as the entire table.
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9/24/2019 - Woodbridge Brad Likes this wine: 90 Points
Complex and tart, this wine is the complete antithesis to fruit bomb wines. The flavors are spicy, slightly herbal and minty, there is a hint of good brett adding even more depth. Dry and tart, the wine is excellent in adding background and depth to the food, yet it was lovely to sip the balance of the glass after the plate was empty. This wine would never do well in a competition, but it excellent at the table. It is fully developed, it will hold a few years, but further aging not needed.
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9/21/2019 - pgm wrote: 92 Points
Sophisticated and rich, right off the bat the nose shows this is not a basic Chianti. Black cherry and plum, with cigar box spices and leather, structured and distinct. Seems built to age, but it’s drinking great already.
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9/19/2019 - Elpaninaro Likes this wine:
Small pour at public tasting- tasted about 10 minutes after opening
pretty light-medium red color, lots of saddle and earth on the nose, black cherries, on the palate a fine cherry impact with dried herbs, plums, good length, tea leaves, ripe cuddly fruit, a fine and attractive wine that should show some additional evolution over the next few years, serious QPR here.
***+, now to 2030
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9/15/2019 - CWilliam wrote: 91 Points
Drank over 2 nights - better on night 2.
Dark red color. Medicinal (in a good way), tart cherry & strawberry on the nose. On palate, tart cherry, cherry, cough drop and rosemary. Medium body/acidity / tannins and long finish. 91+/-
Last bottle I had 5/2019 must have been flawed. Will probably pick up a few more bottles to let them age.
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9/13/2019 - CharlatanDario wrote: 94 Points
Dense, malolactic notes of sour cream, marcipan, sour cherries. Restrained but giving. Beautyful nose. Drink or hold.
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8/28/2019 - OaktownRush Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cherry, crushed herb both fresh and dry, subtle toast, iron, graphite -- an amazing balance of deep red fruit and minerality on the nose. Symphonic palate with the same notes, well integrated from start to finish. Medium+ acid and medium+ish tannins, great structure with really nice hold on the palate.
Pretty amazing value here. Additionally, I think this wine will continue to evolve nicely, the structure is clearly here and I think as this ages it will develop tertiary notes without losing anything else. Excellent.
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8/19/2019 - Screwcaps Likes this wine: 94 Points
Leaves, leather herb and raspberry, rose and rosemary on the nose.
Med red colour with with deep red core.
Light bodied herb, red fruit. Pepper on entry.
Midway through cacao tannins grip. Savoury. Tannins suck your cheeks in.
Meat, herb, black cherry length. Blood and salty roast.
Note for next bottle, eat with high fat marbled steak. Drink next bottle in 5-7 years. 4 out of 5.
First bottle with Nick and Carl. 11 to go.
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8/12/2019 - Peter Kleban Likes this wine:
**
Nice solid Chianti, if not the most "Chianti-ish" flavor profile. Ready to go, I don't detect the tannins others note here. Drinks nicely and holds up well with a Repour.
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7/29/2019 - whudock Likes this wine:
much too early. Let it sit for a couple of years
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7/17/2019 - K&J Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice wine. Improved a bit with a couple of days in the refrigerator after opening!
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7/12/2019 - mwneil Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine rocks, 2015 Chianti is a great vintage, lots of fruit but lots of tannin that should mellow over time, but right now the wine is drinking great, drank easily, complex, structured and yummy, Monsanto is a perennial fav, a great value, drank with steak Florentine with grass fed ph steak, will drink again, drink chianti with steak.
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6/27/2019 - PIntag wrote: 90 Points
Pop 'n pour.
Pure Chianti Classico. Medium weight, good depth, balancing acidity. Agree with DAVEYK39's observation about aggressive tannin on the finish. Not disjointed but not completely in harmony either. This is enjoyable now, but I like to give this bottling 6+ years from vintage, and this 2015 is no exception. Recommend to hold until 2022. Should improve at least a couple of points.
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6/23/2019 - daveyk39 wrote: 90 Points
Gave 3h air, based on notes in CT that it was young and tight. Ate with a pasta dish with a fairly rich, sweet sauce.
Medium Ruby color. Red plum, raspberry, cocoa, compost, black pepper aromas. Creamy texture, medium body. Earthy red fruit on entry, with a spicy lift to the finish. Aggressive tannins drown most everything else out in the finish, but you can sense potential.
Very nice with the rich food. Less pleasant on its own. One to hold.
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6/14/2019 - Bax62 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent with previous note. Drinking very well.
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6/9/2019 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
Russk. Tight iron
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6/7/2019 - genel Likes this wine: 90 Points
medium ruby color; nose had red and black fruit, vanilla, spice; blackberry, currant, vanilla, something like cough medicine (but not in a bad way lol); medium acid, medium+ tannin. 14% ABV, cork. Very good wine. Buy it if you see it.
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5/30/2019 - JBIRCH Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tighter than a duck's arse currently this one.
The potential is absolutely there though, rippling beneath the surface.
90++
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5/15/2019 - richshoes Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice structure, needed a little bit of air. A little bit harsh, astringent, uneven early but improved...less drinkable than other chiantis but great value
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5/14/2019 - CWilliam wrote:
Can't find notes. Drank over 3 nights - best on night 2. I got the overpowering medicinal smell/flavor that I have had on certain vintages of this wine. Given other's reviews this may have been a flawed bottle. I prefer savory European wines but something was off about this bottle. NR
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5/12/2019 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 94 Points
Deep cherry, black walnut, char broiled steak, green olive and blueberry. Exceptionally long, with bright, fine tannins, and the wine itself is a few layers deep. Primary and very age worthy; there’s decadence, raciness - along with austerity. Drink 2021 - 2036.
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4/30/2019 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Racy and vibrant - about what I expect from a good Chianti Classico Riserva.
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4/22/2019 - KSWinegeek wrote: 90 Points
Ruby red in color. Strong cherry nose and red fruits with some tannins on palate. As others have noted, the early impressions out of the decanter for nose/palate were not positive, but with time the wine evolved nicely. Still youthful.
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4/21/2019 - lovanc@outlook.com wrote:
Dusty dry with sour cherry flavors. Great balance of fruit acid and tannin. Loved the secondary flavors in this wine.
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4/18/2019 - slulkin wrote: 91 Points
Based on other tasters comments decanted this first and think it paid off. Also agree with others that despite the decant, the first sniff and taste had something unpleasant almost rubbery, but this blew off in a few minutes.
Dark garnet in the glass. Nose of dark cherries, dried herbs, plum and a whiff of tobacco. Palate was a bit more austere than the nose, but red fruits and spice came through. Finish had nice balance and overall the bottle improved over the 2-3 hours it was open. Went nicely with Tomatoes Apizza white pizza.
Overall, enjoyable and at the Costco price of $19 a nice buy.
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4/16/2019 - kend707 wrote: 88 Points
Tasted again at the insistence of several board members. No brett no skunk this time, but not a bottle I would seek out again. Too many great achievers in 2015 from Italy to chase this.
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4/5/2019 - WineDr. Does not like this wine: 82 Points
I agree with KEND707’s assessment. I must say at the outset that, in general, I love Italian food but don’t care for Italian wine. This Chianti Classico Riserva is no exception, despite its high professional reviews. Sorry, but a barnyard bouquet that persists 4 hours after opening the bottle and decanting it is unacceptable to me. More importantly, while the palate is clean and crisp, it is austere, simple, and has a very short finish that is more in line with a simple $10 wine. Not for me.
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4/5/2019 - TaurusFineFoods.com wrote: 90 Points
Initial opening was a rubbery smell, after a few minutes and trying the second glass, the smooth, well-balanced finish with less noticeable bitterness, tannins in flavor, this wine definitely need additional years of aging, better to drink after 2025.
A solid score of 90+
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3/30/2019 - kend707 Does not like this wine: 82 Points
Decanted 1 1/2 hours. Initial whiff of brett. strange taste, smell of skunk.
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3/17/2019 - vfccpa123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice deep garnet/ruby color and a strong nose of cherry with a little leather/tar notes too. I also get some milk chocolate aroma. On the palette I immediately get cherry and some mineral touches as well. There is a nice tartness in the medium length finish. A very enjoyable wine.
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3/16/2019 - Mtorigian Likes this wine: 94 Points
Subtle and smooth. Silky finish with wonderful balance of flavor and tannins. This wine should age for a long time and be a future treasure. I think this wine will pair with pasta and tomato sauce very well.
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3/12/2019 - SonnyChiba wrote:
Tried another bottle with same result. Just not a really big fan of this wine.
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3/10/2019 - UFGators Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is open and alive in the glass. This drinks like a 100 dollar plus bottle of wine. The nose is alive with dark cherry and plum. The fruit on the palate is dried plums, chocolate and dark cherries with a medium long finish. This is a great wine to drink now. This may gain some weight with age but I am
Not sure it has structure to do so.
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2/24/2019 - slywka7 wrote: 90 Points
Popped about 1.5 hours before drinking. Aromas of cherry, tar, leather and matchstick. Flavors of cherry, currant, boysenberry and touch of black olive. Ends with a 20+ second finish with an iron note. This is more of a burgundy lovers chianti, more subtle than in your face. Probably needed more time and has the stuffing to benefit from a few years of aging.
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2/18/2019 - SonnyChiba wrote: 86 Points
86-87pts. Thought this was just ok, weak overall for its level. Hopefully it just needs more time to come together but right now it seems disjointed with underripe fruit and a tad bit of stemy flavor. Will try another bottle soon to confirm this .
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2/16/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 3 *shared* bottles] from 02/15/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): Dan, THANK you for allowing me to retaste this entry from last wk's Winebar! :) [I also enjoyed our conversation about the other Chianti on last wk's Winebar.]
Typically, "Vinified in steel with a maceration of about 20 days, and as a second passage, it is aged in smaller wooden barrels for about 18 mos, to then rest for a minimum of 3 months in glass. Composition of the grapes : 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo & Colorino."
N: Some barnyd init, blowing to smoke atop RIPE berries
P: Med, pos LM, body; NICE ft met by astringent pucke which only somewhat resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness & very, VERY slight bitterness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its 10th. 14% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, which may very well be on the low side as this is more rustic than MY "ideal". 96 pts Suckling, 95 The Wine Front, 94 WS, 93 CostcoWineBlog, & 90 WA. [This vendor's $21.95 puts it in the bottom of the TOP 1/3 of wine-searcher's entries, although at least SOME Costcos may be selling it for $17.99, which is $2 < wine-searcher's lowest!]
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2/9/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 4 *shared* bottles] from 02/08/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): Typically, "Vinified in steel with a maceration of about 20 days, and as a second passage, it is aged in smaller wooden barrels for about 18 mos, to then rest for a minimum of 3 months in glass. Composition of the grapes : 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo & Colorino."
N: Smoke atop RIPE berries
P: LM body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which loses the majority of its bit by the LONG, BITTER/swt (60:40) finish. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its 10th. 14% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, & I may well be giving it short shrift. 96 pts Suckling, 95 The Wine Front, 94 WS, 93 CostcoWineBlog, & 90 WA. [This vendor's $21.95 puts it in the bottom of the TOP 1/3 of wine-searcher's entries, although at least SOME Costcos may be selling it for $17.99, which is $2 < wine-searcher's lowest!]
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1/27/2019 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep, dark garnet in color. Full, fragrant & attractive nose of ripe fruit aromas of red cherries, strawberries & plums with overtones of dried herbs & earthy/dusty notes, some tea & spice notes, minerals/loam & a hint of cedar in the background. Medium bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of sour cherries, strawberries & cranberries with herbs, earthy, minerals, spices & a touch of oak. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & airing but definitely has the potential for further development with additional aging.
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1/27/2019 - mwneil Likes this wine: 90 Points
A very refined Chianti, smooth, a bit grapey, balanced, good fruit, needs more acid, low tannin, got a bit tiresome as we drank it, drank with pizza and salad, usually one of my favs, a good vintage but not great, at least at the moment, not sure if it will develop, will drink again.
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1/26/2019 - Ebrim Likes this wine: 90 Points
The wine is clean, Ruby red core with a very thin watery rim, youthfull
Nose is clean, medium intense aromas of cherries, dark cherries, herbs Provence, dust, very typical chianti nose but a bit too young/holding, developing
Palate is dry, medium ripe tannins, medium alcohol body and flavour intensity with high dry-extract with aromas of black cherries, crushed black pepper, herbs, cherries, oak, medium finish
Well balanced and medium finish, quite intense ND needs some time to settle, medium+ complexity and high concentration. Drink 2023-2035. Very good quality 90p with a big potential for improvment
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1/20/2019 - Andrew67 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This bottle was excellent. Light to medium bodied, great structure, refined fruit, chalky yet fine tannins. Ticks all the boxes.
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1/14/2019 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent Chianti Classico. Medium body, bright cranberry and cherry, meaty/earthy, hints of herbs. Delicious pairing with lamb meatball stew with dill. Drinking great now.
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1/12/2019 - ohne_musik wrote: 88 Points
Good, although I agree with Saxman below on preferring Felsina to this. Day 1: lovely focused Sangiovese red fruit nose, tightly wound, savory, a bit of nice rustic fruit, and a bit of dried herbs and wet earth. Day 2 it’s looser, showing a bit drier earth with a slightly unattractive astringency. Traditional Chianti Classico.
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1/2/2019 - Andrew67 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really nice. Medium bodied but light mouthfeel. The fruit is tightly wound, powerful but not over-powering. Very good - a few years to go.
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12/25/2018 - Saxman1984 wrote:
Not sure it warrants the high ratings it had received in the press. However, it is an enjoyable Chianti, though I prefer Felsina or Isole E Olena as my everyday Chianti. Lately, I have been disappointed with the wine rating system, especially those wines rated 95 or higher.
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12/18/2018 - KSWinegeek wrote: 89 Points
Very good. Still young, but definitely showing promise.
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12/17/2018 - Ortiz Brown Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark but clear magenta in the glass with somewhat muted nose of earth and herbs. On the palate the wine is quiet at first, with all notes restrained but nicely balanced. After an hour dark red fruit came forward with more earth and that herbal notes, probably basil. Good acidity that was just fine for us with a medium-plus finish. Really nice wine from a good year, which could turn us on to Chianti, but it lacked a bit of complexity for us.
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12/17/2018 - Andrew67 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice wine. Good balance, though the acidity is a little bright. I like the tannins that carry through to the end. Typical chianti flavours. Not sure it has the life some critics are claiming, but ultimately that will be down to how the acidity integrates.
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12/13/2018 - wine-enthusiast wrote: 87 Points
This wine got an over the top score and write up at WS. My bottle did not taste like that. Very young it really needs time. My 87 is based on initial impressions. This wine needs decanting. It has LOTS of acid, maybe too much.
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12/8/2018 - wardamnwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good and will get much better over time.
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12/2/2018 - Bax62 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really great example of Chianti Classico. This is well-balanced and drinking well now. I should have purchased more! I have a few more and I think this will improve over the next few years.
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11/14/2018 - MrOctoberfest Likes this wine:
Good structure, but very tight and not showing much fruit right now. Definitely needs time.
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11/13/2018 - pren wrote: 88 Points
橡木味重,现代,没啥sangiovese特点。
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11/2/2018 - mwneil wrote: 90 Points
Interesting wine, tannins on the outside with a core of excellent fruit, WS review is over the top, wine did not flow easily, sort of a Napa cab from Tuscany, need to try again, drank with veal chops.
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10/23/2018 - Bax62 Likes this wine:
Let this aerate for an hour and it was very nice but not earth-shattering—still a bit muted. I will let the remaining bottles age in cellar and see what develops.
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10/19/2018 - boozebythecreek Likes this wine:
My first time seriously evaluating Chianti so my review should be taken for what it is as I do wonder if my palate isn’t quite there yet for this one or perhaps I drank this much too young. Some hints of fruit, tobacco and earth on the palate which is great because the nose was awful at first but opened up with some time. Medium body, tannins and acidity. Overall enjoyable and at $20 a bottle might pick up a bottle to put in the cellar for fun.
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10/10/2018 - vinus_operandi Likes this wine: 91 Points
dark garnet color with a nose of black cherry, black raspberry, and plum with hints of leather and wet earth. this is a medium bodied wine with plenty of tannins right out of the gate. Rather unenjoyable upon opening, the wine was tasted an hour later with much better results. the tannins had softened considerably allowing the wine to open up and show its layers of red berry and cherry, along with some earthiness and oak. the finish brings with it a hint of tar and a promise of good things to come with some cellaring. there's a purity of fruit here that is enticing. the combination of good acidity, balance, and ripe (not over-ripe) fruit lead me to believe that this wine could be interesting 10 years down the road. It's not a huge wine by any measure but sure to be a crowd pleaser. give it time to open up and the nuances of this well made chianti pop to the surface
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10/8/2018 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine is a lovely bright, translucent garnet color with a crimson edge. The nose is fresh, lightly floral and spicy with red fruit in the background. There is a slight whiff of alcohol but the label says just 14%. It has moderate tannins and medium-to-high acidity...very bright on the attack. Palate shows tart cherry, red plum and some pipe tobacco and vanilla on the finish. This seems to drink best over the first hour or two that it was poured, after 2 hours it got a bitter edge to it but perhaps it needs an even longer decant as suggested by ShellyLowen and Vinus_Operandi in other tasting notes. Certainly delicious with most any pasta dish or pork, veal or chicken with mushrooms. Solid and a good QPR.
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9/28/2018 - shellylowen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fruity nose, dense and silly tannins, plum and black cherry, long finish, and high acidity. For now, decant for 3-4 hours. Super vintage for a very good price.
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