by Ray Johnson | Mar 31, 2009 | Chianti Rufina, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Marchesi de Frescobaldi, Chianti Rufina, Nipozzano, Riserva DOCG 2005 The nose is toasty, charred and sweet smelling. In July ’09 the brett is starting to show itself yet still in a complexing way. In the mouth, the intense acidity of Sangiovese is tamed into a...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 31, 2009 | Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
La Rasina, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2005 There are cherries and green herbs in the nose. In the mouth the cherries are vibrant and tart with some tannic grab. Estate bottled by Marco Mantengoli in Montalcino 13.5% $22.49 at Bottle Barn La Rasina
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
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...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2008 | Italy, Tuscany, Vernaccia
Casa Alle Vacche, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, I Macchioni, 2007 There is a New World ripe expression of fruit in the nose, along with perfume, green herbs and some minerality. In the mouth there is ample acidity with some thick, fleshy fruit as well to fill it...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany
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...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2008 | Italy, Rufina, Tuscany, Vin Santo
Selvapiana, Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina DOC 2001 Raisins and a spiritous character in the nose. The mouth features caramel and toffee and a subtle sweetness that would make it best consumed by itself after dinner in the cold of winter in front of that roaring fire....