Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2016, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese 90%

🍇 Malvasia Nera 4%

🍇 Colorino 2%

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 2% 

🍇 Merlot 2%

🧐 Alcohol 13%

🍁 My Score 90 Points 

🔹 Big and attractive nose with aromas of cherries, black plums, black currants, Asian spices, vanilla, smoke and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, surprisingly full bodied, bone dry, intense, structured with dusty tannins and refreshing acidity. 

🔸 From a superb vintage, this wine is a delicious every day wine and luckily many of us, widely available. Tannins and acidity provide a great framework and additional time in bottle should acquire more elegance and savoury character. I enjoyed this Chianti without decanting, but I would recommend decanting for a few hours and paired with meat instead of Italian pasta. Definitely worth multiple purchases to be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2015, VQA Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese 80%
🍇 Canaiolo and other varietals 20%

🧐 Alcohol 13.5%

🍁 My Score 92%

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Very attractive nose with aromas of sour cherries, blackberries, tobacco, earthy and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, intense flavours, beautiful textured tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is medium-long with black fruit, tobacco and earthy, smoky flavours lingering.

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I have been a fan of the classic Italian winemaking style from Carpineto for many years. Really enjoyed visiting their table at the Vancouver International Wine Festival last February and tasting some of their wines for the first time. Two of my favourites that day, were their Molin Vecchio 2010 (Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend) and this delicious Chianti from the super 2015 vintage. I am looking forward to opening their Chianti Classico 2016 and their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2015, patiently waiting in my cellar. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Querciabella Chianti Classico 2016, DOCG Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese 100%

🤔 Alcohol 13.5%

🍁 My Score 93 Points 

🧩 Biodynamicaly farmed, Organic and Vegan wine

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The nose is rather intoxicating with aromas of cherries, pomegranate, forest fruit, violets, leather and light peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, lively flavours, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long with great energy with fruity and savoury flavours lingering.

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Classic Chianti Classico, simply does not get any better. The result of beautiful fruits grown and harvested at the vineyard, not over worked, letting the quality of the vintage express itself. An incredible well made, well balanced and elegant wine that was a joy to drink. I really like this label, for me it’s shows how Chianti and food, especially paired with Italian food elevate every meal to a delicious experience. I have twice enjoyed this wine in the last week, no bottle variation here. Both stunning 👌 Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2015, Bolgheri, DOC, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 65%
🍇 Merlot 20%
🍇 Syrah 15%

🧐 Alcohol 13.5%

🍁 My Score 91 Points

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A charming, robust nose with aromas of black cherries, dark plums, black currants, chocolate, spices and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, smooth texture, ripe tannins and low acidity. The finish is medium-long, flavourful with lots of black fruit and exotic spices.

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Another beautiful wine from the 2015 vintage from Tuscany. A few additional years in bottle has made this wine very smooth, easy drinking and a fantastic value. Not my first experience with this blend from Tenuta, but most likely one of the best. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Reserva 2013, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese Grosse 90%
🍇 Canaiolo Nero 10%

🧐 Alcohol 13.5%

🍁 My Score 93 Points

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What a beautiful nose on this Vino with aromas of cherries, sour plums, toast, dried herbs, leather, forest floor and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, flavourful and everything in perfect harmony, well integrated tannins and lively acidity. Very good length on the finish with savoury notes, leather and vanilla flavours lingering.

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This is exactly the style of wine which makes me very happy. A beautiful wine with sensuous aromatics, great structure and a delicious blend of sweet and tart fruit. In this vintage, compared to the previous vintage, the fruit is a little riper and all the better for it. A superb value 👌 Most likely limited availability remaining of the 2013 vintage. Strongly recommended. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2016, DOCG Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese 85%
🍇 Merlot 15%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 91 Points

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A very inviting nose with aromas of cherries, blueberries, violets, forest floor, cedar and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, flavourful with fine grainy tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long with flavours of sweet and sour fruit, earthy and spicy notes.

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With Merlot in a supporting role, compared to Italian indigenous varietals, this is a more muscular and structured Chianti. Don’t be worried, the Sangiovese definitely comes through, giving us that sweet and sour excitement I love from this varietal and gives us both power and elegance.  This Chianti should blossom in your cellar. I will definitely need to repurchase this Chianti, highly recommended. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Fattoria Le Calvane Borro Del Boscone, Colli Della Toscana Central IGT, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

🧐 Alcool 13.5%

🍁 My Score 90%

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Interesting nose with aromas of sour cherries, plums, red currants, bitter chocolate, mineral and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, earthy palate, dusty tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is medium-long with flavour of leathery fruit, red currants and a touch of dry herbs lingering.

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I first tasted, then purchased this Cabernet at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. I always appreciate the opportunity to sample before I buy. My enjoyment of food and wine is often about discovering new wines and styles that I am not as familiar with. Like this old world Cabernet Sauvignon that offers a rustic kind of feel, that is quite charming. A lovely wine experience, I would definitely do this again. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2015, Docg Tuscany, Italy

🍇 Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) 100%

🧐 Alcohol 13.5%

🍁 My Score 94 Points 

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A very enticing nose with aromas of sour cherries, plums, strawberries, wild herbs, violets, underbrush and light leather notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, tasty elegant texture, fine dusty tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is medium-long with a savoury flavours and sweet and sour fruit flavours lingering.

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I have been a fan of this producer for a very long time reviewing many of their Vino Nobile and their Rosso.  Unfortunately I had not seen this wine here in British Columbia until Lone Tree Cellars started distributing it here. A big thank you for that, I am very grateful. This was exactly what I expected from Sangiovese and much more. Starting with beautiful, stunning aromatics, elegant texture and great flavours. An incredible value and fantastic pairing with pizza. This producer was on the leading edge of sustainable farming. Now I just need to repurchase this superb vintage and put away for a few years and hoping I can exercise restraint 😉 Strongly recommended my wine friends. Cheers 🍷

San Felice Chianti Classico 2016, Docg Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

🍇 Sangiovese 80%

🍇 Colorino Del Valdarno 10%

🍇 Pugnitello 10%

🧐 Alcohol 13%

🍁 My Score 92 Points 

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Gorgeous, slightly rustic nose with aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries, tobacco, violets, underbrush and light baking spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, bright Sangiovese flavours with dusty tannins and refreshing acidity. The finish is medium length with flavours of tart cherries, raspberries, oak and spices with a beautiful lift of acidity. 

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Attracted to this Chianti by the huge display advertising it’s #19 on WS top 100 of 2018 and at a cost of only $22.99. Worth the hype? You bet it was. 🙂 Well deserving of all the accolades. An elegant, well balanced, well integrated Chianti from a superb vintage. I like it so much that I requested my spouse to purchased another three bottles, then to see him return with a full case 🙉😜 I guess I am not the only one that really enjoyed it 😂 A very tasty Chianti experience. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese, with the first year maturation in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old), than a further 24 months in Slovanian oak barrels. Finally, a further 12 months in bottle before being released, with alcohol coming in at 14.1%. 

 

This Brunello opened up with a maturing and complex bouquet of red cherry, plum, soft leather, cedarwood, savoury spices and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with a silky smooth texture, seductive fruit and gentle wood spices flavours with fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long and elegant with flavours of sweet and sour fruit flavours, spices and fine tannins prolonging the length and pleasure of this Brunello. Just as gorgeous as their 2005 vintage, if not better, and drinking beautifully now. Score 92 points.

 

Purchased March 2, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (212431) at $47.95



Lornano Chianti Classico 2009, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

 

This wine is 100% Sangiovese with maturation taking place in French oak for 12 months follow by 6 months in the bottle before being released with the alcohol at 14%.

 

Great vibrant nose on this Chianti, with aromas of red berry fruit, leather, floral notes and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with sweet and sour edge flavours of berries, cherry and plum, lively acidity and fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long, fresh and lively with excellent depth of flavours. Absolutely love this well made, traditional style of Chianti Classico and at this price it is a great value. Not to be missed for any lovers of Sangiovese based wines, score 90 points.

 

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (211599) at $16.95

Campigli Vallone ‘Terre Nere’ Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

A superb mature nose on this Brunello, with aromas of field berries, sour cherries, red currants, soft leather and lots of savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with alcohol coming in at 14%, excellent fruit-acid balance and silky tannins. The length on this Brunello finish is long, slightly hot with flavours of sweet berry fruit, savoury spices and a nice silky texture. This is a very nice Brunello, which is shows a beautiful maturing, elegant and feminine personality. At this price, strongly recommended. Score 91 points. 

    

Purchased February 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (208462) at $34.95

Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, Docg Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of Sangiovese, at 90% with the remaining 10% Canaiolo, from 15 to 35 years old vines and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

Bright ruby-red in color, this Chianti opened up with aromas of sweet and sour cherries, raspberry, red currants, dried herbs, cedar and light floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, spicy with fresh lively red fruit, crisp acidity and light tannins. This finish is long, juicy, spicy and slightly tangy with sweet berry fruit and loads of energy. This is a delicious textbook Chianti Classico, ready to enjoy, paired with pasta in a tomato sauce, spaghetti or Italian pasta. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 27, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (317529) at $23.95

Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2009, Docg Tuscany, Italy

This wine is 100% Sangiovese and opened up with aromas of red berries, plum, cedar, spices and light herbal note. On the mouthfeel, medium-bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%) with a moderate structure, bright flavours, vibrant acidity and fine dusty tannins. This Chianti finish is medium length with good energy with a nice blend of sweet and sour fruit and spicy. Great wine at the table, excellent fruit-acid balance with carefully restrained oak maturation. My expectations were more than met here, delicious, score 89 points.

Purchased September 1, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (994608) at $22.95

Cellole Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, Docg Tuscany, Italy

This wine is made with 95% Sangiovese and in a supporting role, Merlot with the remaining 5%, maturation took place in new and second use barriques of 225 litres for 18-20 months than a further 6 months in bottle before being released.  Alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

A beautiful deep ruby in color, this Chianti opened up with exotic aromas of dark berry fruit, prunes, Asian spices, dried flowers, mushrooms and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dry, dark fruit, earthy and gentle wood spices flavours with balance acidity and chewy tannins. This wine’s finish is long with great texture and a fine mixture of sweet and sour fruit which works quite beautifully. This is a more robust style of Chianti Classico Riserva, which struck a good balance between old and new world. I so enjoyed this wine, lots of charm, personality and great flavours, I went back to repurchase. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased March 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (56945) at $26.95

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of 85% Prugnolo Gentile (local clone of Sangiovese) with the remaining 15% a blend of Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wine pours a beautifully dark ruby in color and opened up with aromas of black cherry, dark plums, blackcurrants, forest floor, sandalwood, tobacco and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, great flavours, beautifully structured, harmonious with fresh acidity and fined grained tannins. A great deal of finesse and elegance on the finish, with nice sweet and sour fruit flavours and savoury spices lingering. I love the seductive fruit and savoury personality of this Poliziano Vino Nobile and the great mouthfeel, well handled use of barrel fermentation, should age quite nicely over the next three to four years. Gorgeous wine, strongly recommended, score 91 points,

Purchased February 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (988055) at $25.95

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

Casale Dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes with ageing taking place in French oak barriques for 18 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opened up with a very interesting bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, violets, licorice, tobacco leaf and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, red fruit flavours, spicy with lively acidity and fine dusty tannins. It has a great depth and length on the finish with underlying earthiness and flavours of sour cherry, prune and cedar notes lingering. This is a very youthful, bright, traditional style of Chianti Classico Riserva and a definite food wine, best paired with Italian pasta in a tomato based sauce or an antipasto platter with strong cheese. This is a good value Chianti with an edgy personality, very enjoyable. Score 90 points.


*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Kolonaki Group prior to Vintages New Release of  March 2, 2013 (317313) at $18.95

Tenute Piccini Brunello Di Montalcino Villa al Cortile 2006, Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is a bit shy on the nose with aromas of dried fruit, bay leaves, leather, tobacco, smoky, earthy and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14%, dry, rustic, earthy palate, little fruit, balanced acidity and dusty tannins. Good length on the finish with an underlying earthiness and dry. Coming from the very good 2006 vintage, I was left a little disappointed, the result of too much oak, robbing the fruity character of this vintage. Score 88 points.

Purchased October 27, 2012 at the SAQ in Montréal (11794301) at $28.85

Castello Di Verrazzano Rosso 2010, Igt Tuscany, Italy

A work colleague of mine dined at a local restaurant here in Ottawa (Play Food and Wine) and enjoyed this wine from Italy. He liked it so much that he located the importer, a wine agency (The Small Winemakers Collection) and ordered a case. Now I have dined on a few occasions at Play Food and Wine, they have great food, lots of small plates and their sommelier consistently puts together a great wine list, with many wines available by the glass. So when my colleague offered a chance to be part of the case purchase with him, I quickly said yes.

This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese with 15% Canaiolo and 5% Merlot in a supporting role, maturation taking place in big Slovenian oak barrels and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. Bright ruby red in color, this wine opened up with aromas of red fruit, sour cherry, violet, spicy and herbal notes. On the mouthfeel, light-medium bodied, dry, juicy, bright spicy flavours, lively acidity and smooth tannins. This wine finish is lively and edgy with fine chewy tannins lingering. There is a good reason why Castello Di Verrazzano Rosso 2010 is on Play's wine list, its mouth-watering acidity and its food friendly nature makes for many food pairing possibilities. You have most likely heard the expression "Super Tuscan", but have you heard "Mini Tuscan"? This term was on the wine label, talk about unpretentious, it is what it is, a delicious lighter bodied (like a spicy Pinot Noir) wine, which I paired with spaghetti and it worked beautifully. Very good value, score 89 points.

Available through The Small Winemakers Collection agency $17.35 / bottle ($208.10 a case).