Archive: Italy: Tuscany: Red
Aia Vecchia
2008 Toscana Lagone ($17). I’m not always sure that I want or need yet another Bordeaux blend from somewhere other than Bordeaux, but this one was so lovely, I just couldn’t resist it. Polished, silky, with plum, currant, dried cherry, aromatic baking spices, toast, vanilla, all wrapped up in a supple mouthful and lingering finish. Very nice. A blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Cabernet Franc. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-10-27)
2005 Toscana Lagone ($15). A heck of a deal, this Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc offers smooth, vibrant blackberry flavors from start to lush finish, with toast, light spices and a subtle earthiness that linger nicely. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Picks & Nibbles 04/08)
Antinori
2007 Chianti Classico Peppoli ($27). Full-bodied and ripe, but not overwrought, offering pretty black plum, berry and currant aromas and flavors accented with smooth mocha and delicate spice notes that linger on the expressive finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-12-10)
1999 Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne ($68). Excellent stuff — and kind of a bargain as far as Brunello of this quality goes! With intense, full-bodied red rasperry, blackberry and wild strawberry flavors that stay focused throughout the long, supple finish. Includes accents of lavender and mocha. A beauty. Ready to drink now and over the next 10+ years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
2001 Toscana Tignanello ($75). Elegant and smooth, with pretty blackberry, floral and mocha aromas and flavors that linger on the full, focused finish. Absolutely beautiful. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Tempting now and over the next ten years. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
2001 Toscana Villa Antinori Red ($17). Heck of a deal on this complex Super Tuscan from one of the most recognized names in Italian wine. With layers of juicy black plum and cassis fruit, spice, mineral and restrained vanillin oak. Moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine Tasting 04/05)
1999 Sangiovese Toscana Santa Cristina ($9). Each year I buy a few bottles of this wine. Partly because the first time I drank it, I was sitting in Piazza Navona in Rome (my favorite city in the whole world). And partly because it’s just good, affordable, easy-drinking Italian red wine. Hard to beat. This 1999 vintage is no exception. It is a lovely bright red color, and tastes rich and smooth, with concentrated cherry and raspberry fruit and light tannins. Ready to drink now. I paired it with baked chicken breasts stuffed with Roquefort and tarragon. Delicious! (Weekend Wine, 01/01)
1998 Chianti Classico Badia a Passignano Riserva ($N/A). Wonderful! Full of ripe, bright fruit – think raspberry and cherry – with wonderful warm spicy notes. Drink now and over the next three years. (Label Art, 06/02)
1997 Chianti Classico Pèppoli ($20). Hard to go wrong with this easy-drinking and widely available wine. Bright red berry and cherry flavors, medium tannins, light herb and pepper accents, and a smooth, tasty finish. We paired it with a Wild Mushroom Strudel with Goat Cheese. Outstanding. (Weekend Wine, 08/00)
2004 Chianti Cetamura ($10). Appealing everyday quaff and easy to pair with food, with medium-bodied red berry and cranberry flavors and a clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Toscana Cancelli ($10). Meaty red cherry and currant fruit is laced with aromatic black pepper. Smooth finish picks up nice acidity along the way. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Chianti Classico RS ($15). Ripe black cherry fruit is accented with loads of vanillin oak and a hint of spice. New World style; lacking the acidity and brightness of the other wines tasted here. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2003 Chianti Classico ($22). Medium-bodied and crisp, pretty blackberry and plum flavors, accented with exotic tea and orange rind notes, with appealing bright acidity on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Chianti Classico ($20). Lighter than expected, but still tasty, with fresh red berry and plum fruit laced with light herbal and mineral notes. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 04/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Avignonesi 2006 Cortona Desiderio ($58). Mostly Merlot (85%) with Cabernet Sauvignon filling in the rest, this is a stunning wine — full bodied but nuanced, offering red berry, plum, and red cherry on a smooth, elegant frame, and picking up brown spice, mocha, vanilla bean and light herbal notes through the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-10-27)
Badia a Coltibuono 2006 Toscana Sangioveto ($60). A definite “oohs and aahs” kind of wine — with layers of ripe plum, bright red berry, Christmas cake spices, orange rind, vanilla and sweet earth notes. Builds in intensity through the plush finish. 100% Sangiovese from the winery’s oldest vineyard, planted just after WWII. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-10-27)
Banfi
2008 Toscano Rosso (Red) Centine ($11). Medium-bodied, offering red currant and blackberry aromas and flavors, accented with black tea and baking spice notes, with a smooth finish. A blend of Sangiovese (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Merlot. Ready to drink now. (2011-01-05)
2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($18). Red berry from start to finish, laced with accents of black currant, tea leaf, light mineral and spice notes, and a pleasing grip on the focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-29)
2007 Toscana Centine ($13). I could happily make this my house red for fall, for its easy-drinking, bright red berry and cherry fruit, mineral and spice accents, and medium-body/finish. Food friendly. Buy a case! Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-23)
2005 Toscana Centine ($12). Lovely floral, blackberry and licorice aromas introduce medium-bodied blackberry flavors, with mocha and toasty oak accents that linger on the bright finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/07)
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese Toscana Col di Sasso ($9). Great bang for the buck here, with focused red berry and plum fruit, nice mineral notes, and a touch of sweet vanilla on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 12/03)
2001 Toscana Centine ($11). Fresh and flavorful, with tart red fruit and berry flavors, finishing with just a hint of earthy vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/03)
2000 Brunello di Montalcino ($66). Very, very good — with aromatic red and blackberry leading the way, expertly layered with cedar, spices and toast. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
1999 Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana Col di Sasso ($9). Light bodied and with a slightly charred taste. More green pepper than fruit. Not appealing. (Weekend Wine, 03/02)
Borgianni 2001 Chianti ($10). Tasty and a good value, offering fresh red berry and cherry fruit with delicate cream and floral notes. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Borgo Salcetino
1998 Chianti Classico Lucarello Riserva ($17). Wonderful ruby color. Full and ripe with raspberry and red cherry fruit, good focus, refined tannins, and a lingering smoky finish. Very good now and over the next few years. (Richard’s Picks, 06/02)
1998 Chianti Classico Salcineto ($15). Excellent wine and a great value. Ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit show on the bouquet and linger through the finish. Medium bodied with a nice spicy kick. Drink now and over the next two or three years. (Party Planning, 02/01)
Brolio 1998 Chianti Classico ($17). Most enjoyable. Super smooth with loads of berry fruit and a touch of earthiness, the wine has a nice generous finish and is ultra food-friendly. Ready to drink now and over the next year or so. (Weekend Wine, 05/01)
Cabreo 1999 Toscana Il Borgo ($43). Fantastic, full-bodied blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, with layers of concentrated black currant, cherry, espresso, exotic spices, and cream. Focused finish lingers beautifully. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)
Camigliano 2009 Rosso di Montalcino ($25). Ripe, concentrated cherry aromas and flavors are accented with generous vanilla, clove, toast and cigar box notes, building through a generous finish. Easy to like. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-02-19)
Caparzo 1999 Brunello di Montalcino ($65). Deep and fragrant, with subtle floral notes mingling with focused wild berry, cedar, earth and tobacco. Lovely, velvety finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
Carpineto
2001 Chianti Classico Riserva ($28). A great value on a polished Riserva, offering full-bodied cassis and black plum fruit with waves of appealing mineral notes and well integrated spicy oak. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Wine Tasting 04/05)
1998 Chianti Classico Riserva ($24). A deep ruby red with a fresh bouquet, then loads of red cherry accented with blueberry and violets. Rich and full-bodied, but very well balanced. Drink after 2003. (Richard’s Picks, 06/02)
Casanova di Neri 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ($47). Loads of concentration and intensity, with ripeness and depth to the red cherry, currant and plum flavors that seem equally matched by accents of toasty spices, vanilla, briar and tobacco. Long finish and plenty of chewy tannins. Could use a couple of years yet in the bottle for all the components to integrate. Then drink for another 10-15 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-10-27)
Castello Banfi 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese Toscana Col di Sasso ($9). Nice balance for a nine-buck wine, offering pretty berry, cherry and dried cherry flavors and some black tea and spice notes through the moderate, dry finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-29)
Castello d’Albola
2006 Chianti Classico ($17). Easy to like and drink, with fresh, bright red berry and red plum flavors accented with spiced tea and mineral notes, with a crisp finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
2006 Chianti Classico ($16). So easy to like, with bright cranberry, spiced tea notes, and a smooth, mouthwatering, food-friendly finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-12)
2001 Chianti Classico ($19). Very nice overall package of floral-scented blackberry and currant flavors, with moderate spice and cedar. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting 04/05)
Castello di Fonterutoli 2006 Poggio alla Badiola Toscana ($17). Appealing for its aromatic black plum and rich chocolate notes, which repeat on the palate, along with smooth blueberry, toast and mineral. Tasty finish, too. 75% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. This would work with virtually any kind of meat off the grill! Locate this wine online or in your area. (Italian Connection 08/08)
Castello di Gabbiano
2007 Chianti Classico ($13). Delicate plum and black cherry flavors are laced with mineral and light black tea notes. Finishes bright and clean. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-19)
2005 Chianti ($10). Fairly light, but easily drinkable. A good pizza wine! Offers dried red fruit, cranberry and mineral. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/07)
2004 Toscana Alleanza ($35). For a reasonable price — particularly compared to some of the Toscana (aka Super Tuscans) wines out there, it is a wonderful value. Offering full-bodied, ripe, mouthwatering aromas and flavors of cassis, black cherry, violet, roasted coffee bean, toasty vanilla and a touch of rich chocolate on the smooth, long finish — it is delish to the last drop. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Picks & Nibbles 04/08)
2004 Chianti Classico ($13). Medium-bodied, with more character than the Chianti (above). Black currant and berry flavors are laced with pepper and spicy oak. Ready to drink now. A nice everyday red that works with a variety of foods. (Bargain Wine 10/07)
2003 Chianti ($10). Fruity red berry and cherry flavors and aromas are fresh and juicy and accented with mineral and floral notes. A nice wine for ten bucks! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
2002 Chianti ($10). Light and pretty, with floral laced fruit aromas and dried cherry, blueberry and spice flavors. Moderate finish. Easy to drink now! (Italian Connection, 08/04)
2001 Chianti Classico Riserva ($17). Deep red berry fruit, violet and spice aromas and flavors, picking up accents of tobacco and creamy milk chocolate on the moderate finish. Yummy! (And a good value, too.) Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Party Planning, 08/04)
1999 Alleanza Toscana ($35). A blend of Sangiovese Grosso, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a deep black pepper laced bouquet, offering black cherry and plum fruit, along with lots of sweet vanilla and toasty oak. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Italian Connection, 08/04)
1999 Bellezza Toscana ($30). 100% Sangiovese Grosso, this single vineyard wine offers pretty blueberry and red cherry flavors layered with plenty of sweet vanilla and spicy oak. Medium bodied, with a moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 08/04)
Castello di Volpaia
1999 Toscana Balifico ($46). Beautiful dark ruby color and deep berry and spicy oak aromas lead to smooth cassis and cherry fruit, cinnamon, smoke and balanced vanillin oak accents. Long, elegant finish. Blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicious now, but will age beautifully for another five or six years. (Italian Connection, 04/03)
1999 Chianti Classico Coltassala Riserva ($46). Bright and elegant, with a heady bouquet of ripe fruit and mocha, followed by focused red berry fruit, cinnamon, floral and creamy vanilla oak. Beautifully balanced. Outstanding. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Italian Connection, 04/03)
2000 Chianti Classico ($19). Lush red cherry leads the way on the bouquet and palate, with spice, mineral and delicate earthy notes hanging in through the finish. We could happily drink this everyday! Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Italian Connection, 04/03)
Cecchi 2008 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana Bonizio ($9). Seriously hard to beat — possibly the perfect pizza wine, if you ask me. Or anything with tomato sauce. Ripe black cherry and black raspberry flavors, with slight touches of mineral and sweet earth, finishing crisp and bright. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-13)
Col d’Orcia
2003 Rosso di Montalcino ($19). Bright, racy red berry and cherry fruit is nicely accented with anise and earthy nutmeg. A harmonious, balanced wine. Focused through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine 01/06)
2003 Toscana Rosso degli Spezieri ($13). Sweet berry and rose aromas and flavors, with a light hint of black pepper on the finish. Light and easy to drink now. Nice with a light chill on it for summer. (Italian Connection 06/05)
2001 Toscana Olmaia ($80). Wonderful earthy, roasted coffee bean bouquet introduces velvety smooth Cabernet fruit flavors, with a bright mineral character supporting the lingering finish. Nicely structured – should age nicely. Very good now and over the next ten years. (Italian Connection 06/05)
2001 Toscana Rosso degli Spezieri ($11). Fruity, straightforward table wine with spicy cherry and berry fruit on a medium-bodied frame. Smooth texture. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/02)
2000 Brunello di Montalcino ($46). Not a huge Brunello, but still quite tasty. Smoky, rose petal aromas introduce ripe red berry and currant flavors. With toast and vanilla lingering on nicely integrated, smooth tannins in the finish, along with a burst of mouthwatering acidity. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
2000 Toscana Nearco ($60). A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, this lush, aromatic red offers ripe black cherry and plum fruit, smooth chocolate and licorice accents, and pretty vanilla oak on the focused finish. One of my favorites of the evening! Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. (Italian Connection 06/05)
2000 Rosso di Montalcino Banditella ($32). Ripe and rich, with plum and berry flavors and earthy tannins that dissolve into a sweet fruit finish and a burst of appealing minerality. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 06/05)
2000 Rosso di Montalcino ($15). Deliciously ripe and rich, offering dried cherry and floral aromas, followed by deep plum and cherry fruit, finishing with chocolate and a smoky note. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/02)
1999 Rosso di Montalcino Banditella ($27). Polished berry and plum fruit, with delicate orange peel and chocolate notes emerging on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/02)
1997 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento Riserva ($120). Just amazing stuff, this, with powerhouse ripe fruit – berry, dusty plum, dark cherry – and lovely structure. Rich, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Italian Connection 06/05)
1997 Brunello di Montalcino ($50). Elegant tea, anise, and berry aromas lead to a medium-bodied wine that features smooth cherry fruit with touches of spice and tobacco. Picks up a hint of earthiness on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/02)
Collazzi 2002 Toscana ($50). A gorgeous wine, with complex layers of cedar-scented cassis and black cherry, warm spices, mineral and vanillin oak. Beautifully knit, with a generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next six or seven years. (Wine Tasting 04/05)
Da Vinci
2006 Chianti ($16). This versatile, easy-drinking red is a great choice for before dinner, and leaves you room to grow into a more substantial red for the main course. With smooth cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors that stay fresh through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-28)
2005 Chianti ($16). Delicious and easy to like, with pretty raspberry and cranberry flavors laced with toasty, vanilla and a touch of fresh herbs. Moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Skinny Cooks 06/07)
2004 Chianti Classico ($24). Deeper and slightly fuller-bodied than the “regular” Chianti, with blackberry and plum fruit accented with smoky oak and allspice. Smooth finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Skinny Cooks 06/07)
2004 Chianti ($16). Easy to like, with juicy, aromatic red cherry and berry flavors accented with spicy pepper, dark chocolate and espresso notes. Smooth, lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 02/06)
2003 Chianti Classico ($20). Spicy floral aromas introduce dried cherry and plum flavors that are accented with toasty oak. Finishes a bit short. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 02/06)
2003 Chianti ($12). An easy quaff, offering juicy red berry flavors with pleasing tartness and mineral and herbal notes. A good value on a medium-bodied wine. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/04)
2002 Chianti Classico Riserva ($20). Fruity aromas and flavors include plum and red cherry – showing admirable ripeness in a rainy, watery vintage – with pretty spices and fine tannins. Focused, moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Italian Connection 02/06)
2000 Brunello di Montalcino ($70). The first Brunello vintage from Da Vinci, it offers loads of aromatic, elegant black fruit (berry, plum, currant, cherry) laced with hints of tobacco and leather, and plenty of toasty oak. Long, mouthwatering finish. Really good! Ready to drink now and over the next seven-plus years. (Italian Connection 02/06)
Dievole
2007 Rosso di Sangiovese Toscana Dievolino ($10). Bright and fruity, with concentrated red berry aromas and flavors, not overly complex, but easy to like. Light toast and mineral notes on the finish. Food friendly. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-03)
2006 Toscana Broccato ($40). Medium-bodied, offering concentrated red berry, cassis and plum flavors that stay focused through the finish, with dried tea leaf, spice and toasty vanilla accents that linger nicely. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-03)
2005 Chianti Classico Vendemmia ($25). Medium-bodied, with aromatic red berry and cherry fruit laced with spice and some pepper notes, and an appealing finish that picks up bittersweet chocolate, black tea and light toast accents along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-03)
2005 Chianti Classico Novecento Riserva ($50). On the understated side, with blackberry and dried black cherry fruit accented with light coffee and mineral notes. Medium-bodied with a moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-03)
2000 Chianti Classico Vendemmia ($17). Light and juicy, with ripe red plum and slight earthy notes on the soft finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 02/04)
1999 Toscana Broccato ($30). Super Tuscan featuring a flowery bouquet that introduces wild red berry fruit with green olive, herbal and sweet vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Italian Connection, 02/04)
1999 Plenum “Tertius” ($36). Each year, Dievloe chooses another wine from another vintner of another country to blend with and create a new version of Plenum, a proprietary wine. This third (“tertius”) in the series blends 50% Dievole Sangiovese with 50% Tempranillo from Spain’s Munoz winery. A wonderful combination of juicy and earthy, with robust black fruit, waves of warm spices and a decided earthiness. Perfect with a rustic roasted chicken and a wide range of cheeses (Manchego!). Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Italian Connection, 02/04)
Ecco Domani 2004 Chianti ($11). Easy to like, with fresh tasting, juicy red berry laced with light spices and just a touch of vanilla. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/06)
Fassati
2001 Rosso di Montepulciano Selciaia ($10). A lot of wine for the price, this red offers juicy red berry on a moderate frame with delicate herbal and spicy oak overtones. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 08/03)
1999 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pasiteo ($16). Very good expression of ripe berry fruit is full-bodied and smooth, with accents that include roasted hazelnut, earth, fennel, and pepper. Rich, lasting finish. Delicious now and over the next five or six years. (Italian Connection, 08/03)
1995 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Salarco Riserva ($25). Elegant floral and wild berry aromas introduce smooth, ripe cherry with earth, game and deep spicy notes. Stays focused and elegant through the lingering finish. Drink now and over the next five or six years. (Italian Connection, 08/03)
Fattoria di Felsina 1998 Chianti Classico Berardenga ($20). Textbook example of what a Classico should be — supple mouthfeel, medium to full bodied, bursting with spicy raspberry, black cherry and touches of fennel. Lingering yummy finish. Drink now and over the next two or three years. (Party Planning, 02/01)
Fattoria di Gracciano 1999 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Calvano ($20). Medium-bodied mix of dark plum and earthy aromas and flavors. Not overly complex, but tasty and easy to pair with food. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)
Fattoria Monsanto
1997 Chianti Classico Riserva ($20). Full bodied and refined, full of harmonious red berries with appealing mineral notes. The finish is super long and ripe. Very good now and will age beautifully for at least five years. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)
1995 Chianti Classico Riserva ($16). If you’re in the market for a very good Chianti, you really should buy this one. It’s unbelievably good, the best Chianti I have had in ages. Could easily retail for $40 or more, so it’s a steal at this price. but you should be able to find it for about $15. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/99)
Fontodi 1998 Chianti Classico ($23). Unusual and interesting — in a good way! Rosewater accents the red berry fruit, picking up just a touch of nutmeg on the finish. Medium body and smooth tannins. Drink now and over the next two or three years. (Party Planning, 02/01)
Frescobaldi
2003 Chianti Castiglioni ($12). Totally drinkable – and at an affordable price. With lively, fresh cherry and red berry fruit laced with cracked black pepper and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied. Easy to like. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 08/05)
2001 Toscana Giramonte ($73). Super-concentrated and still just a baby, with fruit forward ripe plum and blackberry jam, a big, ripe vanillin oak finish, and smooth tannins. Mostly Merlot, with 20% Sangiovese. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Italian Connection 08/05)
1999 Chianti Rufina Castello di Nipozzano Riserva ($22). Appealing bouquet of fresh berry and warm, earthy spices introduces full-bodied, voluptuous black cherry and berry flavors, peppery, spicy oak and dusty tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Italian Connection 08/05)
1999 Chianti Rufina Montesodi ($63). Lovely lavender, mint, clove and ripe blackberry aromas and flavors are beautifully structured and balanced. Full-bodied, with a long, generous finish that shows some grip. Delicious now and over the next ten years. (Italian Connection 08/05)
1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana Mormoreto ($48). Slightly more New World than Old, with ripe (but not too much so) cherry and plum fruit, followed by vanilla oak, spice and mineral notes. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. (Splurge Wine, 06/02)
1996 Merlot Toscana Castelgiocondo Lamaione ($45). Still in great shape, even if the color is picking up some brick tints, with loads of Merlot flavors, including dried cherry and plum, milk chocolate and warm spices. Drink now and over the next three or four years. (Italian Connection 08/05)
Gianni Brunelli 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($110). This was our “last night in Rome” wine and it was well worth the pricetag. Delicate rose petal aromas, raspberry and wild cherry character, polished and elegant with underlying tannic structure and a complex, generous finish. Tea leaves, pipe tobacco, dried lavender, currants — it’s all there. Delicious now but should age beautifully for another 10+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-02-19)
Il Palazzone 1999 Brunello di Montalcino ($75). Heady aromas of rose petals and wild blue and black berries, introduce ripe red fruit flavors with subtle accents of fresh herbs, bittersweet chocolate and toasty oak. Lovely, velvety mouthfeel and lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
Mazzei
2006 Morellino di Scansano Belguardo Bronzone ($32). The name’s a mouthful, and so is this wine — concentrated, silky, deeply colored. Intense black cherry and berry fruit is laced with spiced tea, toast and a dash of chocolate. With a long, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-06)
2005 Maremma Toscana Tenuta Belguardo ($72). Seriously splurge-priced, but absolutely delicious. With rich, ripe, full-bodied blackberry and plum fruit accented with smoke and toast. Stays focused through the intense finish. Opens up with some decanting now, but should continue to evolve nicely in the bottle for three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-06)
2005 Maremma Toscana Serrata di Belguardo ($23). Full-bodied red plum and berry fruit is accented with black tea, fresh herbs and vanillin oak. Nice acidity makes this deep wine food friendly. A blend of Sangiovese (80%) and Alicante Nero. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-14)
Melini 2010 Morellino di Scansano ($N/A). A fun wine that I’m pretty sure doesn’t make it into the U.S., but worth noting. Playful tart cherry and pomegranate flavors give a tangy character and finish, with amaretto, allspice and mineral notes through the finish. Made to go with food. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-02-19)
Nozzole
2000 Il Pareto Toscana ($65). Classic blackberry fruit flavors and aromas, with full-bodied, concentrated black fruit, cedar, spicy oak and vanilla notes. Big tannic structure; generously lingering finish. Could use a couple more years of bottle age to smooth out, then drink for another ten years. Outstanding. (Weekend Wine, 03/04)
2000 Chianti Classico Riserva ($22). Attractive earthy bouquet introduces pretty, medium-bodied red berry and plum fruit, laced with some funky earth and light spices. Moderate but focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 03/04)
1996 Chianti Classico ($14). This is a great bottle — vibrant color, yummy raspberry and cherry flavors with just enough kick. Great with the pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto that I whipped up for dinner. (Weekend Wine, 04/00)
Barone Ricasoli 1996 Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciardi ($18). By the second glass of this fruity, well-balanced Chianti, I was ready to hop a plane and head to Italy. This is a white table cloth, gregarious waiter, big city night, sausage and peppers kind of wine. Molto buono! (Weekend Wine, 06/00)
Rocca delle Macie
2006 Sasyr Toscana ($17). This Toscana is a Sangiovese-Syrah blend (60%-40%, respectively) and is new (to us, anyway) from one of our favorite Italian wineries. It offers concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit on a silky frame, with aromatic peppery spice, black tea and mineral accents. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Would work now with summer grilling, or save for wintery stews. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Italian Connection 08/08)
2003 Chianti Classico ($16). Deep, wet earth aromas and flavors mingle with blackberry, plum and warm spices, finishing with cedar and dry tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 01/06)
2001 Rubizzo ($12). Easy to like red (90% Sangiovese Grosso and Sangiovese), with fresh red fruit flavors, a touch of earth, moderate tannins and a clean, easy finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
2000 Toscana Ser Gioveto ($42). Rich and concentrated, with sleek red berry and plum flavors and aromas laced with black tea, dried herbs and mineral notes. Stays focused and complex through the generous, lush finish. 100% Sangiovese. Ready to drink now and over the next five to ten years. Practically begs for lamb chops or game — try grilled venison sausages! (Weekend Wine 05/06)
2000 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso ($21). Mouthwatering bouquet of ripe, red fruit and spicy earth notes, with those same flavors repeating on the palate along with deep spices and a generous finish. Nice concentration. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
1999 Chianti Classico Riserva ($18). Medium-bodied red raspberry and cranberry fruit have appealing underlying spice and richness. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
1999 Roccato ($40). Beautifully structured, with complex layers of concentrated red berry and plum fruit, mineral, earth, and toasty oak. Generous finish continues to evolve and linger. Delicious now and over the next five or six years. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
1998 Chianti Classico Tenuta di Fizzano Riserva ($27). Almost garnet in color, with an intense bouquet. Surprisingly refined and medium-bodied, with raspberry and blackberry fruit and just a hint of mocha. Very good now and over the next four years. (Richard’s Picks, 06/02)
1998 Ser Gioveto ($30). Again, the 1999 vintage is the current release, but I didn’t care after tasting this wine! Possibly my favorite of the evening, with elegant, integrated berry fruit layered with baking spices, sage, mineral and light earthy notes. Finishes rich and focused. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. 100% Sangiovese Grosso. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
1997 Chianti Classico Riserva Cru Fizzano ($25). The 1999 is the current release, but we tasted the 1997 vintage – deep, spicy bouquet, with ripe plum and red berry fruit accented with waves of spice and moderate tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Italian Connection, 10/03)
Rocca di Montemassi 2007 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana Le Focaie ($15). Bright and fruity, with mouthwatering red berry and plum fruit, hints of exotic spices and a touch of sweet vanilla on the juicy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-12)
Ruffino
2007 Chianti Superiore ($13). Nicely concentrated and plenty juicy, with red berry and cherry fruit, light floral accents, and a delicately spicy finish. Versatile and easy to like. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-11)
2005 Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale ($27). There’s appealing depth and intensity to the cherry and red berry fruit, with fresh tobacco and savory herbal notes, and a long, mouthwatering finish that picks up a light peppery kick. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online in your area. (2009-07-11)
2007 Chianti ($10). Excellent value on this eminently drinkable everyday red — with juicy red berry aromas and flavors laced with a light kick of pepper spice and toast. Not especially complex but oh-so-tasty. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-12)
2005 Chianti Classico Santedame ($18). Medium-bodied and smooth, with aromatic red cherry and strawberry fruit that builds through the finish, picking up warm baking spices and a touch of chocolate along the way. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/08)
2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Lodola Nuova Riserva ($35). Smooth and pretty, with moderate red currant and berry flavors accented with roasted herbs and earthy notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Italian Connection 08/07)
2001 Chianti Classico Ducale Riserva ($24). Tasty, aromatic, slightly tart cherry fruit is accented with vanilla and smoky herbal notes. Stays balanced through finish, picking up smooth, warm spices. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Italian Connection 12/05)
2000 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Lodola Nuova Riserva ($22). Really delicious, with pretty black cherry and berry fruit laced with mocha and soft spices. Lovely balance, acidity and tannins keep things lively through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Italian Connection 12/05)
2000 Toscana Modus ($25). Delicious! Mouthwatering, cedar-scented wild plum and berry flavors are nicely layered with toast, ginger and baking spices. With a finish that goes on forever. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. (Italian Connection 12/05)
1997 Chianti Classico Ducale Riserva ($20). This is always a great deal and a favorite of mine. I try to let reserve Chianti age for about five years from the vintage date, so I often pick up bottles of the Ruffino whenever I see them and just rotate them through my cellar. (Great labels, too! I’m always reminded of trips to Italy just looking at them.) The 1997 vintage is a beautiful deep red color with an impressive bouquet. Good body and a fantastic finish — I highly recommend it! (Weekend Wine, 07/01)
San Fabiano 2002 Chianti Classico ($28). A lean, lively style, with moderate blackberry and plum fruit laced with minerals and smoke. Focused finish dries up quickly. Traditional style makes a nice change of pace these days, and works easily with anything from pizza to pasta to grilled meats. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
San Fabiano Calcinaia 1999 Toscana Cerviolo Rosso ($48). The epitome of Toscana greatness – this wine is elegantly layered, showing lovely aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, and earth, with a nice smoky note and lovely finish. So good now, but even better in a couple of years! (Splurge Wine, 06/02)
San Leonino 2007 Chianti Classico ($14). A decent little Chianti for the price, with modest red berry, plum and tea notes. Food friendly — pair it with just about anything. I did a quick saute of veggie Italian sausage, broccoli, onion, mushrooms on cracked wheat with arugula. Easy. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-03-31)
Silvio Nardi 1999 Brunello di Montalcino ($55). Traditional styled Brunello, with plenty of earthy, cedar accents to the intense blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and muscular, with compelling cigar box notes on the supple, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Wine Tasting, 02/06)
Spalletti 2001 Chianti ($9). So simple it practically has no taste at all — just some very light red fruit in the beginning. Then it all but disappears. (Weekend Wine, 12/03)
Tenuta del Terriccio 1999 Toscana Tassinaia ($61). Lovely fruit and floral aromas introduce this well-balanced and easy to enjoy wine. Blackberry and cherry fruit are accented with toasty vanilla oak and a hint of chocolate. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Splurge Wine, 06/02)
Tenuta di Poggio Uliveto 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($40). Ripe, full-bodied, intensely flavored, offering cassis, boysenberry and dried blueberry flavors that stay focused and rich, with accents of toast, briar and smoke. Finishes with a burst of fresh acidity. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-02-19)
Tenuta San Guido 2000 Guidalberto Toscana ($60). It is beautifully perfumed, with elegant aromas of red fruit laced with delicate cedar and earth. Full-bodied, but with velvety smooth tannins, flavors include concentrated red fruit, sweet tobacco, earth and cream. Outstanding now and over the next 7-8 years. (Italian Connection, 04/04)
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 2009 Toscana Le Volte ($30). Very nice, with bright acidity and a dose of tart cherry supporting deep black fruit (plum, black cherry, blackberry), with accents of tea leaf, baking spices and oak emerging through the finish. A blend of Merlot (50%), Sangiovese (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-27)
Villa Cafaggio 1998 Chianti Classico Riserva ($29). Ripe bouquet features cherry and coffee aromas. Full-bodied, with plenty of tannins at this point, offering concentrated red cherry and berry fruit, with espresso notes showing up again on the finish. Very nice. Drink after 2003. (Richard’s Picks, 06/02)
Vistarenni 1997 Chianti Classico ($13). The beautiful deep red color, spicy berry bouquet, and silky smoothness are excellent. This is a versatile wine that is ready to drink now and would pair well
with a wide range of food. Pasta, pizza, roasted chicken, you name it. We had big vine-ripened tomatoes, thickly sliced, a dollop of aïoli, and some good crusty Italian bread. (Weekend Wine, 08/00)
Argiano 2006 Toscana Non Confunditur ($24). Aromatic red berry and coffee notes are medium-bodied and food friendly, with a chocolate note on the moderate finish. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-02)
Avignonesi 2003 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Badia a Coltibuono
($22). Rich and elegant, with aromatic red berry and violet notes and ripe flavors that linger on the lush, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Italian Connection 02/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
