Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico 2006 There’s a dusty,woodsy character in the nose at this point. In the mouth there is plenty of expected acidity and cherry fruit, with a soft dusting of tannin, an elegant Classico. The grapes for this wine are 90% Sangioveto and 10% Canaiolo and are certified organic. Estate bottled in [...]

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Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico DOCG 2006 The nose features a woodsy, earthy character. In the mouth there is textbook tangy acidity, tart cherries, a touch of tannin and a long finish – very nice. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one year in small oak barrels. Bottled by the Mazzei [...]

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Rocca di Montegrossi, Chianti Classico DOCG, 2005
There’s earthiness in the nose and plenty of tart cherry flavor in the mouth. This wine is medium-bodied, shows a bit of tannin and is long on acidity. I’m craving salame as I taste it. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, aged in French oak for 12 months. Estate bottled [...]

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Castellare, Chianti Classico 2005
This estate has traditionally shown an Old World expression in their wines from Tuscany. There is a combination of cherry fruit and earthiness in the nose. The mouth showcases lean and tart cherry flavors – right on target. The grapes are mostly Sangiovese followed by Canaiolo. The wine was feremented in stainless [...]

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Vietti, Langhe DOC, Nebbiolo, Perbacco 2005 Spot on with black licorice and a wallop of tannin. Estate Bottled in Castiglione Falletto 13.5% $26.99 at Traverso’s Vietti
Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There is a pleasant combo of earth, cherries and a hint of varnish which adds to the complexity. The acidity is matched by [...]

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Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There’s loads of acidity and the taste of cherries. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% $17.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta
Andrea Oberto, Langhe, Nebbiolo DOC 2005
Recent bottles of this estate’s Dolcetto and Barbera have been well-made and affordable. [...]

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Rocca di Montegrossi, Chianti Classico DOCG, 2004 Screaming acidity and light body. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, aged in French oak for 12 months. Estate bottled in Gaiole 13.5% $22.99 at Traverso’s
Valdicava, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2003 Appropriate earthiness and some richness in the mouth that balances Sangiovese’s acidity – very nice. The Winemaker Vincenzo [...]

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2 great producers and 2 classic wines.
Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG 2004
There’s some appropriate barnyard notes tied into the tart cherry and lightly tannic palate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one year in small oak barrels. Bottled by the Mazzei family in Castellina in Chianti 13.5% $27.95 at Traverso’s [...]

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Castellare Chianti Classico 2004
This estate has traditionally shown an Old World expression in their wines from Tuscany. This wine is spot-on again, showing the lean and acidic style of Sangiovese with a touch of green character. The grapes are mostly Sangiovese followed by Canaiolo. The wine was feremented in stainless and aged in French oak. [...]

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Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG 2003
Tonight’s bottle showed some herbaceousness and tannic grip, as well as evolving fruit. The bottle opened earlier in the year showed classic cherry fruit and complexing earthiness with some evolution and stewed fruit. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 4-5% Syrah and other grapes. Estate bot in Barberino Val [...]

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