Castello di San Donato in Perano, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2009

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Pressed flowers and red cherry nose, but also a stalky-green note which distracts. Grippy concentrated palate with fine tannins, discrete oak and sweet fruit, but also under-ripe finish.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Immediately like nose. Slightly fern and forest like. Crikey! cabernet? Or Merlot? Something else happening in there. Good and very drinkable.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Very elegant, scented nose with a Pinot-esque character. Strawberry, rhubarb, damson, plum jam, nothing that really hints at Sangiovese. Very fine in the mouth with resolved, integrated tannins, plenty of fruit and a convincing finish. Just not sure it’s Chianti Classico.