Italy, Chianti 14.0% Cork $50-60 Source: Retail
Apologies for the break in transmission. I’ve been indulging in some 40th birthday celebrations. Not mine mind you, that’s still to come. My brother’s actually. Both of us have a passion (or pathological condition) which leads us to take notes on most of the wines we drink, so I’ll roll them out. Normal service will resume at the end of the last bottle…
“That’s freakin’ awesome” and “That’s the bomb” were both uttered in hushed tones, suitable for the shared reverence that resulted from our love of this wine. Dark cherries dappled with red fruits, herbs, scorched nuts, dried blood and earth. Uber savoury and with a lovely, silty mouthfeel that was a perfect match for a rustic duck & pistachio terrine. The acidity was sitting pretty nicely within the flavours and the tannin structure possessed real finesse whilst still retaining its Italianette charm. Extremely long on a finish which highlighted bitter almond skins and a little dark chocolate.
I was somewhat surprised to find a hint of alcohol warmth, but it was nothing to worry about. I suspect it was mostly a case of drinking it a little too early. Having said that, I’ve made sure my other bottle is well out of reach, because I’d happily drink this too early again soon.
Winery Website- http://www.castellodimonsanto.it/
had the 07 Chianti Classico from these guys (which i know you've reviewed earlier) Whats your thoughts on the differences between this riserva 06 and the standard 07
For mine-
You've got extra depth, length and complexity in the 06 Riserva. It's a bit more textural and the structure is more honed and impressive.
I think Anthony mentioned that many chose to drink the former wine whilst they waited for the riserva to come into its own, and that seems pretty spot on to me.
Another way of looking at it is that the Riserva is simply worth the extra bucks, and you know how much I enjoyed drinking the 07 standard. I just think the 06 Riserva is, all round, a more serious and impressive wine.
I hope that makes some sort of sense…
Thanks for that Jeremy. All sounds good to me. I'll have to pop in to Boccaccio and pick one up.
Hi guys,
I think the 06 Riserva is structured differently. Slightly longer palate but with also the tannins structure to see it age ten to fifteen years in a canter.
In Italy they would drink the 07 CC for the next eight or so years and by then the 06 Riserva would be ready to go. This is a pretty typical thing to do in good years.
Thanks Anthony. The tannin structure was certainly different and to my mind, of a higher standard as well as possessing a touch more finesse…hard to capture in words, but much more than just pleasingly "chewy"