Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo with maturation in oak for 10 months and alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

A beautiful deep ruby in color, this wine opened up with a sensuous bouquet of cherry, black plum, black currants, sandalwood, leather, vanilla and spices notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, tangy, fine texture, harmonious with fresh acidity and dusty tannins. Great length on the finish with flavours of ripe berry fruit, herbs and spices, cedar notes and very tasty. Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 strikes a good balance between traditional style and modern style of Chianti Classico, the winemaker really nailed the aromatics, great nose. This wine should keep improving over the next 2-4 years but delicious right now. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased February 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (650754) at $27.95

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, DOCG Tuscany, Italy

From a very good 2007 Tuscan vintage, this Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. On the nose this wine opens up with aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit, exotic spices, wood smoke, floral and earthy notes. On the palate, dry with concentrated black fruit, espresso and dark chocolate flavours, hard tannins and balanced acidity. Very good length on the finish with dark berry fruit flavours, savoury notes and firm, persistent tannins. This Chianti Classico Riserva has everything in abundance with fine potential but needs time. I would cellar this wine for 2-3 years, if opened now, decant for 2-3 hours. Score 89 points.    

Purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release (650754) at $27.95