Tasting Notes
Vinous 88
Bright red-ruby. Sexy aromas of smoke, herbs and red berries plus a whiff of wild herbs. Dense, sweet and suave, but with darker than usual berry flavors complemented by oak and dark chocolate. Tannins are harmonious and smooth on the moderately long finish. A very nice Chianti but I would have liked a bit more definition and verve.
Robert Parker 92
The 2009 Chianti Classico is a model of elegance and class. Firm yet well-integrated tannins provide the backdrop for expressive red cherries, licorice, tobacco and spices. The 2009 radiates across the palate with notable class. It has great fruit and plenty of structure. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. I was in Panzano in mid-August 2009, just as a huge heat wave began to take hold of Northern Italy. Growers were tempted to pick early, but Sangiovese is a late-ripening variety that needs the extra hang time to develop its full range of aromas and flavors. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti waited until late September to start harvesting, and it paid off. His Sangiovese based wines in particular are fabulous in 2009. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029