Sangiovese night for my 37th birthday
My house
Tasted January 22, 2023 by marco_graz with 83 views
Introduction
For my birthday I decided to open some bottles I was really curious about, some I tried in the past, some were new to me (or the vintage was new to me, like Fontalloro). Let's see how they performed.
Flight 1 - Annata 2015-2016 (2 notes)
The 2 annata were served blind, with a brief description of how they should have been with respect to the UGA they are from. On 5 people, 4 got it right, after a while in the glass. Both wine enjoyable in their way, I liked both of them
Red
2015 Fattoria di Lamole Chianti Classico le Stinche
Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
Paler than the Argenina 2016 that was next to it, at the nose a great bouquest of violet, red crunchy and sweet red fruits, earthy. On the palate perfect balance between acidity and tanning, ending with a long finish. Lovely Lamole also on this bottle.
Red
2016 Podere il Palazzino Chianti Classico Argenina
Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
One of my favorite annata, and also one that can age 10+ years (last Easter the 2010 was in incredible shape). This one was a bit close at the nose but on the palate was already great, with medium+ tannins balanced but nicely integrated acidity and a long finish. Classic Gaiole example.
Flight 2 - Brunello and Chianti Classico Riserva 2013 (2 notes)
Brunello and CC Riserva flight was a challenge between two different terroirs, and not sure if Le Gode was the right challenge but got quite smashed by the Grosso Sanese.
Red
2013 Podere il Palazzino Chianti Classico Grosso Sanese Riserva
Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
Here we go with the best wine of the night, for how much I was thinking this would shine, it really is an incredible wine. From the color it is clear this is just entering it's prime time, being of a very intense red. At the nose it is ematic, with fresh red fruits, earthy, and a touch of orange peel. In the mouth it has crunchy tannins perfectly integrated with the high acidity, still earthy, with raspberry the most prominent fruit. The finish is the longest one of the night, and also the one calling the most for another glass. Great wine, if you find it, stock up 😍.
Red
2013 Le Gode Brunello di Montalcino
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Classic Brunello, starting from a little more garnet color than the paired Grosso Sanese. At the nose herbs, darker fruits, leather, licorice. In the mouth tannins are quite strong, with a medium acidity. I am guessing that maybe 2-3 years in the bottle could help this out.
Flight 3 - Fontalloro 2012 (1 note)
Here the only wine served from the decanter, which didn't really help it. Unfortunately the wine is after its peak.
Red
2012 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Fontalloro
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Unfortunately I think this one is kind of out of it's peak. Already of a quite garnet color, at the nose dry figs, chocolate, very dark fruits. In the mouth strong tannins (the kind which will never smoothen) and medium acidity made it hard to consider a second glass. Comparing this to the Rancia 2012 I see quite a few similarities.
Closing
The biggest surprise of the night was Grosso Sanese, I read about how the 2013 is one of the best vintages ot the '10 but I could not imagine to find a wine so ready but still so much potential, a really incredible wine. On the other side I was very disappointed of Fontalloro, even if I should have been suspicious seen how badly Rancia 2012 recently, I thought Fontalloro being not so powerful could have been better. Both annata did great their job, as did Le Gode, while not a great Brunello, it is enjoyable and as maybe alone with some steak or baked meat could have done better.
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