La Casa di Bricciano, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2009

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Simple black fruit and sawdust nose. Firm tannins, slightly tartaric finish. Ordinary.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Transparent ruby, nose is sweet and autumnal with cloves and plums. Palate is dry and savoury, with some tomato notes alongside blackberry fruit. The oak has not integrated, the flavours and tannin of the wood jar with those of the fruit. The quality of that fruit and wood is high, time needed. I like it’s austerity. The acidity and poise of the fruit…those vanilla notes overwhelm on the nose.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Medium ruby, youthful nose of earth, ripe tomato, strawberry with no obvious oak. Medium acidity and a dusty finish combine to make a less attractive style already at the peak of its powers. Lean and a little short.