by Ray Johnson | Aug 19, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 29, 2008 | California, Mendocino County, Sangiovese
J. Keverson, Mendocino County, Janes Vineyard, Sangiovese 2005 If you like your New World Sangiovese heavy on the oak, this is your wine. There’s loads of sweet-oaky essence all over this supple wine. The moderate acidity will feel a disappointment for the fan...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 17, 2008 | California, Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Super Tuscan, Tuscany
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
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...
by Ray Johnson | May 2, 2008 | Italy, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2005 This has been a stalwart good value in a modern style, though the price has crept to the border of $20. The ’05 vintage is light-bodied, accessible and subtly laced with a bit of tannin. Estate bottled by Federico...
by Ray Johnson | May 2, 2008 | Amador County, California, Sangiovese, Sierra Foothills
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 The previous vintage showed some herbaceousness and tannic grip, as well as cherry, fresh and evolving with complexing earthiness. Here again with the 2004 there is a rusticity and astringency. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and...