Perfect cork in a 375ml bottle with a decent mid-neck fill level. As with the last bottle 6 years ago, there is tobacco, leather, and dark cherry on the nose and palate. There was quite a large amount of coffee-ground sized sediment, which led to absolutely no noticeable tannins. It was surprising how much dark cherry flavor was left. Enough acidity to give it a teeny weeny bit of zing. This is as close to a perfectly aged Chianti as I've ever tasted. (ps - I didn't post this note until I found a few more bottles)
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PnP. Grassl 1855. This gets better with time open. At first a bit austere. Then the characteristic barnyard and brown herbs. At first also not much fruit. And a closed bitter finish. But after close to two hours the fruit starts to emerge. The finish softens. Wow. This began as a mid 80s. Now low 90s. Nice acidity. Still some fine tannins. This should last a few more years at least.
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Tobacco, leather, and dark cherry on the nose and palate. It seems to be fully resolved. The dark red fruit is still hanging on, albeit behind the tertiary notes of tobacco, smoke, leather, and hint of graphite.
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Certainly everything you could hope for out of a 20 year old bottle of CCR. Dried morello cherry, saddle-tanned leather, cedar, concentrated mushrooms and tuscan herbs. Definitely all that you are going to get out of this one.
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Quite dark and quite red. Spicy and earthy nose. Medium plus concentration and extraction. Touch of wood and cedar. Complexity of earthiness and dead leaf. Very classic taste without funk at all. Moderate tannins. Excellent and definitely a top Chianti
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Really a beautiful wine. 45 minute decant before a well paired meal of bolognese. Dark cherry, forest floor, strawberry, menthol. This may have sold me on buying a case of the '11. More personality than the '97 Rancia which I recently tasted (and that was a very good wine).
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Part of the 1997 Tuscan tasting. Double decanted about 2 hours before tasting. This was drinking beautifully. Bright red fruits, with that dusty rusticity I associate with Italian wines, and some nice acid for balance. It was our first wine to taste, and came close to being my favorite. The group had it as their 4th out of 11. Still many years ahead for this.
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Lovely sweet rustic nose, of blood, sous bois, dark dried cherries, and mushrooms that just pulls you into the glass. Lovely palate follows, with some nice subdued cherry notes, earth, some nice acidity and some smooth rounded tannins. This is drinking extremely well. It has been stored perfectly since release, and I would guess this will last a few more years at least. A day later still going strong. A bit more subdued, both on the nose and palate, but the core nose and flavor are still there. The tannins are a bit more subdued. The nose has a bit more blood and less of the sweeter cherry and mushroom notes. The palate is a bit more focused and contained, still that rustic earthiness of an Italian wine. Still some tannic notes on the back end of the finish.
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Chianti Classico and related BYO (KOGS): Iron and burnt earth but also and dark blackberry fruit. Has a slight metallic edge to it but overall a very nicely developed wine.
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Red brick color with some brownish tones. Complex bouquet as if you walked through a forest and smelled the berries on the way. Medium density and strength on the palate, still fruit present which makes a great combination with the secondary aromas. Quite long and very round aftertaste.
Aged very nicely, perfect to drink now. Don't think this will improve, although opening an hour before drinking is a good idea. So go for it and enjoy this classical and classy Chianti.
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Still drinking well, aroma of damp forrest and band-aid. Nice solid cherry flavor with some earth, mushroom. Good acidity and tanninc grip still present. Very nice.
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A bit of disappointment, given the producer and the year. No problem with the age, it was balanced and integrated. Very typical Sangiovese on tne nose and palate, to be expected. At a tasting, I thought it was bested by the other Chianti, an 04 Verrazano. Still, good juice.
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This wine was a great example of what a mature Chianti can be. This was a pop and pour scenario, yet the wine exhibited deep mature dry cherry like-fruit, plenty of background leather and just a bit of residual sweetness. I was very pleased the way this wine has aged. Now is the time to drink up. I can't imagine further improvement.
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consistent with my bottle of 18 months ago. Really began to open up at the one hour mark. A classy drop. Drank this bottle with Fingers & his better half. 13,5% abv, drink thru 2022
https://italianwine.blog/
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Needed a good 2-3 hours decant for the tannins to settle in. Color is still remarkably dark violet with only a slight tawny edge, 90% opaque, quick legs, and lots of sediment. Intense nose of baked cranberry, pepper, nutmeg, light Tuscan herbs and a bit of vinyl. Silky palate with strong acidity, the mature and oxidative character faded and it actually became younger as it opened up. It settled into a graceful balance and complex persona of a wine that seems to have a great story to tell, and is still being written. Just make sure you don't pass judgement at the pop. 5+12+17+8 = 92
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Attended a dinner presentation last night at an Italian restaurant and was shocked when this is what showed up on the table. The host mumbled something about picking a Chianti Classico from the list, but I couldn't tell if he was being modest or was just stating something to the effect of "I've heard of Chianti so it should be OK." Color showing autumnal tones on the rim. Lovely dried cherries and leather on the nose with some intriguing spice. Fading ever so slightly on the palate, with those dried cherries now cloaked in dusty leather with mildly astringent tannin. A classically styled Chianti aging as gracefully as an Italian aristocrat.
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Opened and decanted at the end of dinner party and perhaps too cold for a mature wine and got too little chance to unfold itself. Nevertheless, a perfectly delightful wine, much fresher than expected though of course with mature flavours and a certain Felsina austeriety compared to the preceding Querciabella 2006.
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Still quite youthful with black cherry, roses, leather and minerals. There is a lush frame with still stern tannins. Still the fruit gives up a lot, so I would opt to drink in the next 3-5 with food.
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Popped and poured. Delightful as always, balanced and full with bright dark fruits, well balanced. Bright with no air, but still delicious. No sign of peaking yet
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PnP. This medium-bodied beauty is ageing gracefully, but is basically at peak right now. Layers of silky cherry woven with spice and crushed violets are a the heart of the complex nose and clean, pure palate. If you're sitting on some, no need to wait, it's just gorgeous right now with the tannins and fruit seamlessly integrated and invitingly soft. 13.5% abv, approx $25.
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A very solid showing. PnP, decanted for 90 minutes. Fresh cherry, herbs and fire roasted red floral notes. Sinewy frame, with a river of fresh acidity and tannins to spare. This has another decade ahead of it, showing plenty of purity and regional typicity. I'm glad I have two more. Drink thru 2018, approx $24 (release), 13,5% abv.
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OCP4W V (WCC in Irvine, CA): Garnet color, with bricking at the edges; sediment present. Super chalky-mint on the nose, along with a good dose of black licorice. Medium-light bodied on the palate, with great acidity; cherry; tannins quite strong at first, but approximately 20 minutes in the glass really helped smooth them out, and made this a wine that drinks very well right now. This was one of my favorites of the day. I would suggest drinking this now, with a healthy decant.
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OC Poker for Wine V (Wine Cellar Club, Irvine, CA): I had this wine just under a year ago, and I'll be honest, I didn't think that it could have improved with any more age, but here I am, foot firmly planted in my mouth. It shockingly seemed to have gathered a bit of weight and more dark cherry flavors have come forward into a wonderful medley along side the tobacco, cigar box and dusty earth characteristics. Such an amazing nose on this wine. So floral and aromatic. This was a steal for $50 at Winex awhile back, so sad that it is all gone now.
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The best bottle of this I've had so far. Popped/poured/tasted. Dark fruit, cedar, tar on the nose with a sense of minerality. Once again, a "mini Brunello" albeit with more obvious acidity. Longer finish than I expected. Will be a great pairing with this evening's lasagna. It does throw some sediment, so I'll filter before serving.
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Aged brownish color. Earthy complex nose. Rhubarb, light tannins, nice medium long finish. A little aciditic as you expect a chianti to be. Nice with homemade pizza. Appeared to get better after an hour. I will have more tomorrow, so we'll see how it does after a while opening and vacu-vinned for a day.
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This one comes from the second shipment. Bottle was standing for several weeks prior to serving. As a result, seems to be more clarity to both color and the palate. Continues to need a bit of air. Starts out with a blast of tar on the nose initially. This marries up after a bit with a sweet leather, and the overall combination is quite attractive. Palate is medium bodied. Sangiovese fruit and balanced acidity make this a good one to break out with food. Fine tannins remain on a medium length finish.
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Only getting better. Let it breathe for an hour and drank for 3. next time would let it breathe for 2-3. Dark red color with bright fruits that come out over time. it is a rich, smooth delicious wine
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Opened the bottle, did not decant, hour before dinner, served with lasagna. with the first taste (without food) wine was still tight and slightly astringent. Decided to decant. Decanted tasted again 30 minutes later and wine wine was softer, bouquet had opened up, slightly floral. When paired with the food the wine showed very nicely, tannins were softer, had a velvety mouth feel, nose was delicate and understated, a very nice wine especially enjoyable with the food.
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Meat and light-mid tar on the nose. Mid weight Sangiovese fruit on the mid-palate with a bit of cigar box and acidity. Some light and fine tannins on the finish. A better food wine than sipper. Update Day 2: better by a point or two. Smoother and fuller. Apparently this one still has some life to it....
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Decanted for just about an hour before drinking, but even from the pop this wine was ready to go. Really beautiful crimson and rusty orange color. The nose...oh the nose on this wine was heaven...worn leather, dark cherries, light spices, and a musty earth. The wine is silky smooth on the tongue with some mild acidity, and flavors that mirrored the nose. This wine is deep and elegant from start to finish. I have little experience with Italian wines, but this is hitting its stride right now and really has the stuffing to be excellent for the next few years I'd say. We paired this with prosciutto wrapped asparagus and filet mignon. Fantastico!
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This bottle was a pleasant surprise. Nicely balanced fruit with tastes of cherry. Had a kind of full mouthed feel with a slight hint of bitterness on the finish which did not detract from the overall effect. Decanted about 1 hour then sipped over another hour.
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1997 Tuscans w/ Burgundy Bob & The Boys (I Nonni, St. Paul): Interesting, almost Graves-like scorched earth nose. Classic Chianti flavors of red cherry fruit and spice, with nice underlying minerality. Well balanced. Fine ripe tannins on the finish.
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Cedar, tar and sweet spicy fruit on the nose, carrying to the palate. Smoother than the last bottle, perhaps because of better bottle prep. Opens up beautifully after about 30-45 minutes. Has some characteristics of a brunello.
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Last one of the case. Now on to the 99s and 01s. Still holding up incredibly well. Nose of dark fruit and leather. On the palate tannins are well integrated with restrained but abundant fruit. Great food wine.
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We tasted this right after the Felsina Rancia and as good as that was, this was better. Bigger, bolder, it made the Rancia seem sweet side by side. Purple in color. Slow legs. Full bodied. Smooth texture. Long finish.
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Bought a 1/2 case of 750mL and opened/decanted for 1 hr to sample after pick-up. I agree with most of tasting notes - red meat, fig, leather, crushed herbs, and slight tar on the nose. Dark fruit and pomegranate with good mouth feel...this had more fruit than I imagined given its age, and also had tannins that are very refined and mellowed out at his point. Lots of finesse with mellowed out tannins from bottle age along with some good fruit. Finish is balanced and smooth, albeit not extremely long. I think this one won't evolve much more but has a few years left to enjoy.
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I'm surprised to see it's been almost a year since the last bottle. This one opens up considerably faster than those from last year, but still benefits from some decant. Dark nose with cedar, sweet spice and a hint of tar. Quite weighty on the palate, long finish. A bit of grit on the end probably reflects my poor bottle treatment (stored upside down for stacking). Should stand up the last bottles for several days prior to opening. Even better the second day.
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Not my favorite varietal but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality; floral scents; medium body; a little dry; restrained fruit flavors of cherries with hint of spice; finishes quickly.
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Very Nice Wine. With some age on it, it seems to take on some Brunello characteristics. The tannis and acidity are well integrated. Drank without decanting. Have one more bottle and will hold onto it for a while longer
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Old world notes of dried cranberries, dried herbs, dried mushrooms and leather. Drinks very well with about an hour in the decanter, which helped to waken it up a little.
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Only slightly mature looking. Showing licorice, smoke, plum, white pepper, chicken stock, tobacco. Prominent tannins and acidity carry the herbaceous finish. Decent balance for drinking now, this might improve in a couple years, but the lack of quality fruit doesn't bode well. Disappointing after the Rancia.
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Beautiful dark raspberry color with a bouquet of fresh roses, wild flowers, and berries. The mouthfeel is rounded with a pefect balance between fruit and acidity, the finish is elegant and luscious. This is the ultimate romantic wine with serious masculine qualities of fine wine. Available at W Wine Boutique in Miami Beach.
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Similar to prior btls. 87 points on opening....relatively flat and simple. A couple of hours of air continue to serve this bottle well, adding a depth of fruit and all-around complexity that adds up to a couple of extra points.
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This showed very well. I've heard comments that it's internaitonal in style, ut I just found it to be a rich Chianti that had aged very well for the last 10 years. Still plenty of fruit, and the structure is well balanced with the fruit.
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Paired well with our traditional home made pizza on Christmas Eve. Decanted about an hour. Earthy fruit evident on the nose and pallate alike. Great bottle!
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Decanted 2-3 hours to blow off the sulphur, then let develop even more in the glass. This went wonderful with the Braciole I made. Nice balance of fruit, earth, wood, and acidity. Drinking well now but should hold at least 2-3 years.
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One of the better drinking bottles of Chianti I've ever had. Opened, dbl decanted, and let sit for a couple of hours (the small bit I took right after opening was horrid). Served in a Pinot glass to focus the nose, which is a nice balance of fruit and wood. Notes of cigar box cedar are to be found on both the nose and palate. Medium finish, with dry tannins still in play.
Open, leave alone for a couple of hours, pour.
With two btls open this evening, and two glasses within reach, this is the one that's going fast. The other one is a 1986 Beychevelle. The fact that it's not a hands down competition, in favor of Beychevelle, says a lot for this Chianti.
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This wine was just wonderful. The bottle had been professionally stored which I think showed in it's deep garnet color and fresh flavors. The nose was subtle but lovely with flowers, red fruit and herbs. The palate was smooth, layered, long, and beautifully balanced and soft. Sweet intense cherries and smooth tannins lingered on a long finish. I'm going to have to lay some Chianti down for the next decade!
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Served my last bottle of this with some steaks for my Father and Father-in-Law on Fathers day. I bought this on release for $19. Coinicidentally, I saw this in a store over the weekend for about $42 which is also about what it sells for at auction. The acidity was not as brilliant as the last time I had this and the fruit seemed a little earthier. Dry profile with some tar, leather and dried cherry notes. Very nice 9 year old Chianti although I think its peak was a year or 2 ago. 89-90 points.
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Another big Brunello night. We had Lamb shanks with Tuscan beans accompanied by three 1997 Brunellos and a 1997 Felsina Chianti Classico for a bit of comparison. The Brunellos were Altesino Vendemmia, Castello Banfi and Camigliano. The Altesino was the unanimous consensus as the best. The Camigliano and Banfi each had their supporters and there was no clear preference between them although the wines were clearly different. All three Brunellos were decanted and poured back into their bottles just before serving. The Felsina Chianti was opened later and not decanted.
The Altesino was rich and smooth with almost a hint of sweetness. It had a lush dried cherry flavor backed by a hint of leather. There was a good balance of tannins and fruit and the wine showed the benefits of a few years in the bottle. It had just a bit of bricking when poured. It appeared to have life left but it is drinking very well right now.
The Banfi was almost as rich and full as the Altesino but did not have the lush mouth feel. It also had the dried cherry and leather flavors but was was a bit more tart. It had less bricking when poured than the Altesino. It also appeared to have life left.
The Camiglinao was the lightest of the three Brunellos in appearance and taste. It also had a cherry flavor but was lighter and a bit sweeter. It was a nice wine and had its supporters, particularly as it opened up in the glass. I am not sure if this one will last as long as the other two.
By comparison, the Felsina Chianti was an excellent Chianti but it did not have the depth of the Brunellos. It had a nice full color and showed a bit of bricking. It had typical Chianti flavors of dried cherry, leather and earth. It was in good shape and appears to have reasonable remaining bottle life.
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Dinner at Rosa's in NJ. Dark ruby. Earth and spice with good depth of fruit and concentration. Sitting somewhere between shedding the primary fruit and developing secondary characteristics. 50+12+11+7.5+7.5 = 88
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A slightly soft, woody, and nondescript for a bottle of wine. There's a little red fruit showing, but mostly it's just alcoholic and woody. The longer it sits in the decanter, the less I like it.
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by far the best chianti I've ever had. loved by all who tried (blew the 97 lewelling cab away). wonderful nose of medium to dark fruits. big full bodied mouth with fine grained tannins. bueatiful ballance of fruit and acid unlike most chianti's that have too much acid. enough balance that the whole bottle was drunk before the meal was served. sad that this was my last bottle. this is at is peak.
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This was a superb Chianti: deep, tangy, dry, very nice. There is a depth of color that is a-typical. Very good body, clean finish. No rotten quality at the end. Almost citrus at the end, along with pepper. This was a fine wine.
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Lovely food wine with its bright acidity. Typical floral nose of violets, roses and red fruit. Medium body with integrated tannins. Primarily cherry notes but some berry and earthiness. The epitome of "tipicita" in Tuscany. 90-91.
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9/20/2023 - CranBurgundy Likes this wine: 96 Points
Perfect cork in a 375ml bottle with a decent mid-neck fill level. As with the last bottle 6 years ago, there is tobacco, leather, and dark cherry on the nose and palate. There was quite a large amount of coffee-ground sized sediment, which led to absolutely no noticeable tannins. It was surprising how much dark cherry flavor was left. Enough acidity to give it a teeny weeny bit of zing. This is as close to a perfectly aged Chianti as I've ever tasted. (ps - I didn't post this note until I found a few more bottles)
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4/2/2021 - shelby003@gmail.com wrote: flawed
Out of date. Disposed of
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12/6/2020 - Ron Slye wrote: 93 Points
PnP. Grassl 1855. This gets better with time open. At first a bit austere. Then the characteristic barnyard and brown herbs. At first also not much fruit. And a closed bitter finish. But after close to two hours the fruit starts to emerge. The finish softens. Wow. This began as a mid 80s. Now low 90s. Nice acidity. Still some fine tannins. This should last a few more years at least.
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9/3/2017 - paulst Likes this wine: 92 Points
Mature and balanced; sweet cherry and raisen; tart at times, but with nice finish.
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7/22/2017 - paulst Likes this wine: 92 Points
Light with an acidic backbone; earthy; cedar; narrow finish.
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6/27/2017 - CranBurgundy wrote: 88 Points
Tobacco, leather, and dark cherry on the nose and palate. It seems to be fully resolved. The dark red fruit is still hanging on, albeit behind the tertiary notes of tobacco, smoke, leather, and hint of graphite.
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6/18/2017 - paulst Likes this wine: 95 Points
Beautifully integrated; sweet light cherry and earth; complex and long; outstanding and mature but still peaking.
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5/13/2017 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Certainly everything you could hope for out of a 20 year old bottle of CCR. Dried morello cherry, saddle-tanned leather, cedar, concentrated mushrooms and tuscan herbs. Definitely all that you are going to get out of this one.
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9/17/2016 - Wineteacher Likes this wine: 91 Points
Quite dark and quite red. Spicy and earthy nose. Medium plus concentration and extraction. Touch of wood and cedar. Complexity of earthiness and dead leaf. Very classic taste without funk at all. Moderate tannins. Excellent and definitely a top Chianti
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2/12/2016 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really a beautiful wine. 45 minute decant before a well paired meal of bolognese. Dark cherry, forest floor, strawberry, menthol. This may have sold me on buying a case of the '11. More personality than the '97 Rancia which I recently tasted (and that was a very good wine).
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2/5/2016 - Ron Slye wrote: 94 Points
Part of the 1997 Tuscan tasting. Double decanted about 2 hours before tasting. This was drinking beautifully. Bright red fruits, with that dusty rusticity I associate with Italian wines, and some nice acid for balance. It was our first wine to taste, and came close to being my favorite. The group had it as their 4th out of 11. Still many years ahead for this.
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5/10/2015 - Ron Slye wrote: 92 Points
Lovely sweet rustic nose, of blood, sous bois, dark dried cherries, and mushrooms that just pulls you into the glass. Lovely palate follows, with some nice subdued cherry notes, earth, some nice acidity and some smooth rounded tannins. This is drinking extremely well. It has been stored perfectly since release, and I would guess this will last a few more years at least. A day later still going strong. A bit more subdued, both on the nose and palate, but the core nose and flavor are still there. The tannins are a bit more subdued. The nose has a bit more blood and less of the sweeter cherry and mushroom notes. The palate is a bit more focused and contained, still that rustic earthiness of an Italian wine. Still some tannic notes on the back end of the finish.
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4/17/2015 - canan wrote: 92 Points
Chianti Classico and related BYO (KOGS): Iron and burnt earth but also and dark blackberry fruit.
Has a slight metallic edge to it but overall a very nicely developed wine.
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11/10/2014 - snoerre Likes this wine: 90 Points
Red brick color with some brownish tones. Complex bouquet as if you walked through a forest and smelled the berries on the way. Medium density and strength on the palate, still fruit present which makes a great combination with the secondary aromas. Quite long and very round aftertaste.
Aged very nicely, perfect to drink now. Don't think this will improve, although opening an hour before drinking is a good idea. So go for it and enjoy this classical and classy Chianti.
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10/5/2014 - alabunka wrote: 89 Points
Drinking well now while retaining classic medium body with that specific chianti flavor and taste
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6/3/2012 - J2K wrote:
Still drinking well, aroma of damp forrest and band-aid. Nice solid cherry flavor with some earth, mushroom. Good acidity and tanninc grip still present. Very nice.
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5/23/2012 - ecola Likes this wine: 91 Points
Aromas and flavors of red fruit, mushroom. Medium to full body. Solid acidity with a soft finish, but still retaining tannin.
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5/18/2012 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 88 Points
A bit of disappointment, given the producer and the year. No problem with the age, it was balanced and integrated. Very typical Sangiovese on tne nose and palate, to be expected. At a tasting, I thought it was bested by the other Chianti, an 04 Verrazano. Still, good juice.
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4/4/2012 - Redteeth wrote:
This wine was a great example of what a mature Chianti can be. This was a pop and pour scenario, yet the wine exhibited deep mature dry cherry like-fruit, plenty of background leather and just a bit of residual sweetness. I was very pleased the way this wine has aged. Now is the time to drink up. I can't imagine further improvement.
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3/14/2012 - Tim Heaton wrote:
consistent with my bottle of 18 months ago. Really began to open up at the one hour mark. A classy drop. Drank this bottle with Fingers & his better half. 13,5% abv, drink thru 2022
https://italianwine.blog/
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7/11/2011 - fingers wrote: 92 Points
Needed a good 2-3 hours decant for the tannins to settle in. Color is still remarkably dark violet with only a slight tawny edge, 90% opaque, quick legs, and lots of sediment. Intense nose of baked cranberry, pepper, nutmeg, light Tuscan herbs and a bit of vinyl. Silky palate with strong acidity, the mature and oxidative character faded and it actually became younger as it opened up. It settled into a graceful balance and complex persona of a wine that seems to have a great story to tell, and is still being written. Just make sure you don't pass judgement at the pop. 5+12+17+8 = 92
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6/10/2011 - bevetroppo wrote: 90 Points
Attended a dinner presentation last night at an Italian restaurant and was shocked when this is what showed up on the table. The host mumbled something about picking a Chianti Classico from the list, but I couldn't tell if he was being modest or was just stating something to the effect of "I've heard of Chianti so it should be OK." Color showing autumnal tones on the rim. Lovely dried cherries and leather on the nose with some intriguing spice. Fading ever so slightly on the palate, with those dried cherries now cloaked in dusty leather with mildly astringent tannin. A classically styled Chianti aging as gracefully as an Italian aristocrat.
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4/30/2011 - DK Amateur wrote:
Opened and decanted at the end of dinner party and perhaps too cold for a mature wine and got too little chance to unfold itself. Nevertheless, a perfectly delightful wine, much fresher than expected though of course with mature flavours and a certain Felsina austeriety compared to the preceding Querciabella 2006.
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2/11/2011 - rmodak wrote: 91 Points
Still quite youthful with black cherry, roses, leather and minerals. There is a lush frame with still stern tannins. Still the fruit gives up a lot, so I would opt to drink in the next 3-5 with food.
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12/17/2010 - ricknat1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Delightful as always, balanced and full with bright dark fruits, well balanced. Bright with no air, but still delicious. No sign of peaking yet
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10/20/2010 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
PnP. This medium-bodied beauty is ageing gracefully, but is basically at peak right now. Layers of silky cherry woven with spice and crushed violets are a the heart of the complex nose and clean, pure palate. If you're sitting on some, no need to wait, it's just gorgeous right now with the tannins and fruit seamlessly integrated and invitingly soft. 13.5% abv, approx $25.
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9/20/2010 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
A very solid showing. PnP, decanted for 90 minutes. Fresh cherry, herbs and fire roasted red floral notes. Sinewy frame, with a river of fresh acidity and tannins to spare. This has another decade ahead of it, showing plenty of purity and regional typicity. I'm glad I have two more. Drink thru 2018, approx $24 (release), 13,5% abv.
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5/22/2010 - Surfdoc wrote: 91 Points
Earthy, bitter cherry aromas and flavors with moderate acidity and medium tannins. Nicely aged Chianti.
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1/30/2010 - grafstrb wrote:
OCP4W V (WCC in Irvine, CA): Garnet color, with bricking at the edges; sediment present. Super chalky-mint on the nose, along with a good dose of black licorice. Medium-light bodied on the palate, with great acidity; cherry; tannins quite strong at first, but approximately 20 minutes in the glass really helped smooth them out, and made this a wine that drinks very well right now. This was one of my favorites of the day. I would suggest drinking this now, with a healthy decant.
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1/30/2010 - jhannah27 wrote: 94 Points
OC Poker for Wine V (Wine Cellar Club, Irvine, CA): I had this wine just under a year ago, and I'll be honest, I didn't think that it could have improved with any more age, but here I am, foot firmly planted in my mouth. It shockingly seemed to have gathered a bit of weight and more dark cherry flavors have come forward into a wonderful medley along side the tobacco, cigar box and dusty earth characteristics. Such an amazing nose on this wine. So floral and aromatic. This was a steal for $50 at Winex awhile back, so sad that it is all gone now.
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1/27/2010 - vanpe003 wrote: 92 Points
The best bottle of this I've had so far. Popped/poured/tasted. Dark fruit, cedar, tar on the nose with a sense of minerality. Once again, a "mini Brunello" albeit with more obvious acidity. Longer finish than I expected. Will be a great pairing with this evening's lasagna. It does throw some sediment, so I'll filter before serving.
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1/10/2010 - psi wrote: 91 Points
Beautiful wine that got even better after an hour. Ripe, good structure, mature tannins, silky, long and pure.
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8/23/2009 - Wien wrote: 93 Points
Simply beautiful. Mature and just drinking very well right now. Will drink my remaining bottles this year or next.
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8/16/2009 - Larry Brooks wrote: 94 Points
Aged brownish color. Earthy complex nose. Rhubarb, light tannins, nice medium long finish. A little aciditic as you expect a chianti to be. Nice with homemade pizza. Appeared to get better after an hour. I will have more tomorrow, so we'll see how it does after a while opening and vacu-vinned for a day.
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8/9/2009 - ricknat1 wrote: 91 Points
Delightful as always, very full bodied with bright dark fruits, well balanced. Gave it 3 hours to breathe.
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6/27/2009 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
This one comes from the second shipment. Bottle was standing for several weeks prior to serving. As a result, seems to be more clarity to both color and the palate. Continues to need a bit of air. Starts out with a blast of tar on the nose initially. This marries up after a bit with a sweet leather, and the overall combination is quite attractive. Palate is medium bodied. Sangiovese fruit and balanced acidity make this a good one to break out with food. Fine tannins remain on a medium length finish.
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6/13/2009 - ricknat1 wrote: 93 Points
Only getting better. Let it breathe for an hour and drank for 3. next time would let it breathe for 2-3. Dark red color with bright fruits that come out over time. it is a rich, smooth delicious wine
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6/5/2009 - zsherburne wrote: 89 Points
Opened the bottle, did not decant, hour before dinner, served with lasagna. with the first taste (without food) wine was still tight and slightly astringent. Decided to decant. Decanted tasted again 30 minutes later and wine wine was softer, bouquet had opened up, slightly floral. When paired with the food the wine showed very nicely, tannins were softer, had a velvety mouth feel, nose was delicate and understated, a very nice wine especially enjoyable with the food.
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5/15/2009 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
Meat and light-mid tar on the nose. Mid weight Sangiovese fruit on the mid-palate with a bit of cigar box and acidity. Some light and fine tannins on the finish. A better food wine than sipper. Update Day 2: better by a point or two. Smoother and fuller. Apparently this one still has some life to it....
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4/13/2009 - Rieslingfan wrote:
Red fruit and floral - this is delicious and easy to drink.
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2/14/2009 - jhannah27 wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for just about an hour before drinking, but even from the pop this wine was ready to go. Really beautiful crimson and rusty orange color. The nose...oh the nose on this wine was heaven...worn leather, dark cherries, light spices, and a musty earth. The wine is silky smooth on the tongue with some mild acidity, and flavors that mirrored the nose. This wine is deep and elegant from start to finish. I have little experience with Italian wines, but this is hitting its stride right now and really has the stuffing to be excellent for the next few years I'd say. We paired this with prosciutto wrapped asparagus and filet mignon. Fantastico!
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12/18/2008 - mellison wrote: 91 Points
This bottle was a pleasant surprise. Nicely balanced fruit with tastes of cherry. Had a kind of full mouthed feel with a slight hint of bitterness on the finish which did not detract from the overall effect. Decanted about 1 hour then sipped over another hour.
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12/15/2008 - Siggy wrote: 89 Points
1997 Tuscans w/ Burgundy Bob & The Boys (I Nonni, St. Paul): Interesting, almost Graves-like scorched earth nose. Classic Chianti flavors of red cherry fruit and spice, with nice underlying minerality. Well balanced. Fine ripe tannins on the finish.
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10/12/2008 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
Cedar, tar and sweet spicy fruit on the nose, carrying to the palate. Smoother than the last bottle, perhaps because of better bottle prep. Opens up beautifully after about 30-45 minutes. Has some characteristics of a brunello.
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8/30/2008 - RJ Meyer wrote: 92 Points
Last one of the case. Now on to the 99s and 01s. Still holding up incredibly well. Nose of dark fruit and leather. On the palate tannins are well integrated with restrained but abundant fruit. Great food wine.
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8/9/2008 - ricknat1 wrote: 93 Points
We tasted this right after the Felsina Rancia and as good as that was, this was better. Bigger, bolder, it made the Rancia seem sweet side by side. Purple in color. Slow legs. Full bodied. Smooth texture. Long finish.
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8/6/2008 - wendellgee28 wrote: 91 Points
Bought a 1/2 case of 750mL and opened/decanted for 1 hr to sample after pick-up. I agree with most of tasting notes - red meat, fig, leather, crushed herbs, and slight tar on the nose. Dark fruit and pomegranate with good mouth feel...this had more fruit than I imagined given its age, and also had tannins that are very refined and mellowed out at his point. Lots of finesse with mellowed out tannins from bottle age along with some good fruit. Finish is balanced and smooth, albeit not extremely long. I think this one won't evolve much more but has a few years left to enjoy.
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6/28/2008 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
I'm surprised to see it's been almost a year since the last bottle. This one opens up considerably faster than those from last year, but still benefits from some decant. Dark nose with cedar, sweet spice and a hint of tar. Quite weighty on the palate, long finish. A bit of grit on the end probably reflects my poor bottle treatment (stored upside down for stacking). Should stand up the last bottles for several days prior to opening. Even better the second day.
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4/5/2008 - knelsfk wrote: 89 Points
Not my favorite varietal but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality; floral scents; medium body; a little dry; restrained fruit flavors of cherries with hint of spice; finishes quickly.
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1/27/2008 - zblang wrote: 92 Points
Very Nice Wine. With some age on it, it seems to take on some Brunello characteristics. The tannis and acidity are well integrated. Drank without decanting. Have one more bottle and will hold onto it for a while longer
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11/1/2007 - Paul Lin wrote: 89 Points
Old world notes of dried cranberries, dried herbs, dried mushrooms and leather. Drinks very well with about an hour in the decanter, which helped to waken it up a little.
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8/10/2007 - petitblanc wrote: 86 Points
Only slightly mature looking. Showing licorice, smoke, plum, white pepper, chicken stock, tobacco. Prominent tannins and acidity carry the herbaceous finish. Decent balance for drinking now, this might improve in a couple years, but the lack of quality fruit doesn't bode well. Disappointing after the Rancia.
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7/30/2007 - vanpe003 wrote: 89 Points
Battle of 1997 (Down's Lake): Lightest of the flight, but a hit with the crowd. Medium-bodied, with tannins still quite evident.
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7/27/2007 - MiamiViniFera wrote: 97 Points
Beautiful dark raspberry color with a bouquet of fresh roses, wild flowers, and berries. The mouthfeel is rounded with a pefect balance between fruit and acidity, the finish is elegant and luscious. This is the ultimate romantic wine with serious masculine qualities of fine wine. Available at W Wine Boutique in Miami Beach.
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7/8/2007 - vanpe003 wrote: 90 Points
Similar to prior btls. 87 points on opening....relatively flat and simple. A couple of hours of air continue to serve this bottle well, adding a depth of fruit and all-around complexity that adds up to a couple of extra points.
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4/22/2007 - vanpe003 wrote: 90 Points
Similar to ealier notes.
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3/15/2007 - Rieslingfan wrote:
This showed very well. I've heard comments that it's internaitonal in style, ut I just found it to be a rich Chianti that had aged very well for the last 10 years. Still plenty of fruit, and the structure is well balanced with the fruit.
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1/8/2007 - sfnights wrote: 89 Points
Excellant example of this very good vintage. Classic sangiovese fruit. Good balance and acidity. Ready to drink now.
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12/24/2006 - Grapz wrote: 89 Points
Paired well with our traditional home made pizza on Christmas Eve. Decanted about an hour. Earthy fruit evident on the nose and pallate alike.
Great bottle!
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12/23/2006 - winestork wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 2-3 hours to blow off the sulphur, then let develop even more in the glass. This went wonderful with the Braciole I made. Nice balance of fruit, earth, wood, and acidity. Drinking well now but should hold at least 2-3 years.
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12/10/2006 - vanpe003 wrote: 90 Points
One of the better drinking bottles of Chianti I've ever had. Opened, dbl decanted, and let sit for a couple of hours (the small bit I took right after opening was horrid). Served in a Pinot glass to focus the nose, which is a nice balance of fruit and wood. Notes of cigar box cedar are to be found on both the nose and palate. Medium finish, with dry tannins still in play.
Open, leave alone for a couple of hours, pour.
With two btls open this evening, and two glasses within reach, this is the one that's going fast. The other one is a 1986 Beychevelle. The fact that it's not a hands down competition, in favor of Beychevelle, says a lot for this Chianti.
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12/5/2006 - WEBB wrote:
Lots of sediment (Filter the next bottle)
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8/22/2006 - greenblanket wrote: 93 Points
This wine was just wonderful. The bottle had been professionally stored which I think showed in it's deep garnet color and fresh flavors. The nose was subtle but lovely with flowers, red fruit and herbs. The palate was smooth, layered, long, and beautifully balanced and soft. Sweet intense cherries and smooth tannins lingered on a long finish. I'm going to have to lay some Chianti down for the next decade!
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6/20/2006 - Vino Me wrote: 89 Points
Served my last bottle of this with some steaks for my Father and Father-in-Law on Fathers day. I bought this on release for $19. Coinicidentally, I saw this in a store over the weekend for about $42 which is also about what it sells for at auction. The acidity was not as brilliant as the last time I had this and the fruit seemed a little earthier. Dry profile with some tar, leather and dried cherry notes. Very nice 9 year old Chianti although I think its peak was a year or 2 ago. 89-90 points.
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12/29/2005 - Redteeth wrote: 88 Points
Another big Brunello night. We had Lamb shanks with Tuscan beans accompanied by three 1997 Brunellos and a 1997 Felsina Chianti Classico for a bit of comparison. The Brunellos were Altesino Vendemmia, Castello Banfi and Camigliano. The Altesino was the unanimous consensus as the best. The Camigliano and Banfi each had their supporters and there was no clear preference between them although the wines were clearly different. All three Brunellos were decanted and poured back into their bottles just before serving. The Felsina Chianti was opened later and not decanted.
The Altesino was rich and smooth with almost a hint of sweetness. It had a lush dried cherry flavor backed by a hint of leather. There was a good balance of tannins and fruit and the wine showed the benefits of a few years in the bottle. It had just a bit of bricking when poured. It appeared to have life left but it is drinking very well right now.
The Banfi was almost as rich and full as the Altesino but did not have the lush mouth feel. It also had the dried cherry and leather flavors but was was a bit more tart. It had less bricking when poured than the Altesino. It also appeared to have life left.
The Camiglinao was the lightest of the three Brunellos in appearance and taste. It also had a cherry flavor but was lighter and a bit sweeter. It was a nice wine and had its supporters, particularly as it opened up in the glass. I am not sure if this one will last as long as the other two.
By comparison, the Felsina Chianti was an excellent Chianti but it did not have the depth of the Brunellos. It had a nice full color and showed a bit of bricking. It had typical Chianti flavors of dried cherry, leather and earth. It was in good shape and appears to have reasonable remaining bottle life.
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11/23/2005 - JeffGMorris wrote: 88 Points
Dinner at Rosa's in NJ. Dark ruby. Earth and spice with good depth of fruit and concentration. Sitting somewhere between shedding the primary fruit and developing secondary characteristics. 50+12+11+7.5+7.5 = 88
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5/25/2005 - D. Fulton wrote: 87 Points
A slightly soft, woody, and nondescript for a bottle of wine. There's a little red fruit showing, but mostly it's just alcoholic and woody. The longer it sits in the decanter, the less I like it.
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4/16/2005 - goofy Yno wrote: 94 Points
by far the best chianti I've ever had. loved by all who tried (blew the 97 lewelling cab away). wonderful nose of medium to dark fruits. big full bodied mouth with fine grained tannins. bueatiful ballance of fruit and acid unlike most chianti's that have too much acid. enough balance that the whole bottle was drunk before the meal was served. sad that this was my last bottle. this is at is peak.
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4/10/2004 - TaitaJidou wrote: 92 Points
This was a superb Chianti: deep, tangy, dry, very nice. There is a depth of color that is a-typical. Very good body, clean finish. No rotten quality at the end. Almost citrus at the end, along with pepper. This was a fine wine.
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3/4/2002 - Vino Me wrote: 91 Points
Lovely food wine with its bright acidity. Typical floral nose of violets, roses and red fruit. Medium body with integrated tannins. Primarily cherry notes but some berry and earthiness. The epitome of "tipicita" in Tuscany. 90-91.
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