CUWS L11 - Chianti Classico

Tasted, Weds 2 March 2011. Four different producers from the Chianti Classico DOC.


Castell'in Villa

Chianti Classico Castell'in Villa 07
B+(+)

Depth, violets, lifted, red fruits, nicely perfumed, fragrant, dark cherry. Plenty of fat acidity on the palate, so refreshing, cuts through, vivid, proper depth on the palate, feels ripe. Red fruits, plenty of it too, tannins still lively. Will age at least another 10 years.

Chianti Classico Castell'in Villa Riserva 05
B+(+)

Slightly sweeter on the nose, maybe even wood? Slightly softer on the palate, not as dense as the 07, still plenty of cherries and berries, acidity still so fresh, racy even. Still plenty of presence and poise. Needs food.

Castello di Ama

Chianti Classico Castello di Ama 07
B+(+)

Fresh vibrant nose, lifted, violets, strawberries, cherry, beautiful, and draws you in. Plenty of fruits, red berries, not that extracted, lighter in style but still balanced. Tannin still there, will age at least another 10 years.

Chianti Classico Castello di Ama 04
A-(+)

Nose is similar, if anything more lifted and floral, slightly more settled, less jumpy. In the palate a lot more settled, maturing, less primary fruits, developing more secondary stuff, more complex characters, earthy, cedar, woody. Fantastic drinking, will keep with ease.



Felsina

Chianti Classico Berardenga 08
B+(++)

Slight touches of cooked and baked red fruits, dark fruits. God, the depth on that thing, extracted, big, dark berries, primary fruits drives the palate. Tannins is prominent but is ripe and will resolve given time, acidity still there. Big, still together, isn't clumsy.

Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 07
B+(+)
More jammy, red fruits, lifted, pastilles, some herb and mint, ribena, black currants. Palate is big but poised, fruit drives through, good mouthfeel and generous, acidity vibrant. Just all correct, ready to please and will improve.

Barone Ricasoli

Chianti Classico Brolio 08
B+(+)

Dark fruits, depth, still fragrant, herb even, floral, leaves, strawberries, earthy, cedar, spice? Plenty of body, red and dark fruits, vibrant acidity, fresh and cleansing, if possible, good balance. Not very extracted, to drink young.

Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 07
B+(++)

Not as lifted, you got to work at it. More extracted, better structure and depth, again some herby tones, acidity still fresh and vibrant. Tannins are far more present, will develop with time at least 5 years to open up. Get the feeling this is the bigger, more grown up wine.