Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Badia a Coltibuono, or "The Abbey of good harvest," lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, between Florence and Siena. The Abbey is approximately 2000 years old. Blend of 90% Sangiovese; 10% Colorino, Canaiolo, & Ciliegiolo. Deep Ruby color, aromas of black fruit and earthy spice nose. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with savory tannins, good balance, black pepper and cacao notes. Medium+ finish ending with earthy mineral notes. Good now. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

I bought this bottle in Florence around 2019. I later found out the shop was owned by Antinori - the producer of the wine. An excellent Super Tuscan from Bolgheri. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Dark Ruby with a tawny rim starting to develop. Classic Bordeaux descriptors of Cassis, herbs, tobacco and hints of cocoa with oak totally integrated. A rich and mouth filling palate such that it could have been from a new world vineyard in a good vintage. This is comparable in quality to a good Super Second. Interestingly the 2007 had the major change of Syrah being eliminated from the blend in favour of Cabernet Franc. An outstanding Bordeaux blend which exceeded expectations. I should keep an eye out for more bottles. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Founded at end of 1800 when Lavinio Franceschi, Florence land owner, visited the area. Over a century later, Tenuta covers an area of 530 hectares (140 planted with vines; 50 with olive trees). Aged in French oak for 36 months, 100% Sangiovese hand picked from 20-year old vines. A Gem! Deep Ruby. rich berry fruit aromas with complex spice. Palate has rich berry fruit flavors, baked cherry, with tobacco, cacao & subtle spice. Soft tannins, long finish ending with seductive earthy tones. Nice, aged well! — 5 years ago

Lee Smith

9.4

I love this wine, first enjoyed it in a great Sardinian place in Florence. Just received this bottle from Brooklyn and better even than I remembered. — 7 years ago

Belinda

9.1

Very classic and drinkable weekday wine, had in Florence. If it was similarly inexpensive in the states, might buy again (was around 26€). — 7 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.5

There is something about this wine that is intriguing. I am happy this isn't my last bottle of this, and I only have one person to thank for that! From the damned 2011 vintage comes yet ANOTHER awesome wine. Very complex without being a linear and "in your face" kind of style. Pours a dusty rose to the glass. Nose of dried herb, black cherry pie, leather, cola. Entry of black cherry and herb. Middle with a nice black tea kind of note. Finishes a bit stiff. — 8 years ago

John Gallo

8.9

A Tuscan red blend that we have had in the United States as well as in Italy. In the US you can buy this for $16 a bottle at Total Wine and see it in a restaurant for $52 a bottle. I was in the north end of Boston and paid $80 for the same bottle! If you are in Florence this bottle costs about €15.30 in the supermarket and will run you about €22 to €27 in a restaurant.  — 6 months ago

AEL

9.0

Dark, structured - serious wine. Needed a good hour to fully open up. Antico Ristoro di Cambi in Florence. — a year ago

Jeanne gills

9.1

Enjoyed this one at small restaurant near Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence. — 4 years ago

Jeremy.Buss

9.2

So long since I’ve had a Rockpile wine and loved this!! Black and green pepper along with dark berries (raspberry and blackberry). An excellent jam flavor that just fits so well with bbq ribs. — 5 years ago

Natalie Corrado Fitz

9.1

peppery, easy sipping without food but would go well w/ food. Very smooth but full to mouth (first red in Florence) — 7 years ago

JFS

9.1

@ Florence, Italy — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Sette Ponti or "seven bridges," refers to the 7 bridges crossing the Arno River on the road from Arezzo to Florence. Blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cab Sauv & 10% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in new French oak. Went to a tasting, had ‘14 & ‘15 side by side. Very dark enticing red with concentrated aromas of dark fruits & earthy notes. Flavors of cherry & plum with tobacco and spice. Firm but approachable tannins, medium length ending with a bit of spice as the finish builds. Best to drink ‘14 now. Tasting Sample. — 8 years ago

Tom Barras

9.2

I have enjoyed many vintages of the excellent single vineyard Reserva (Bucerchiale) from Selvapiana, but the fruity 2018 is one of the more satisfying ones. Perfumed red and black fruit aromatics soar from the stemware. It is Medium >full, balanced and well structured with crisp acidity and light tannins at the satisfying finish. This Sangiovese star from the Rufina appellation East of Florence, always punches well above its price point. If you’re unaware of it, time to check it out. (It continues to identify it as 2013, but please note it is 2018.)
— 8 months ago

Peter Stern

9.0

Wow, lovely and so drinkable. (Florence) — 2 years ago

Debra Bass

9.0

With Allison, Terry and Jane on Penn Stare trip to Florence. — 5 years ago

with Rand

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Badia a Coltibuono, or "The Abbey of good harvest," lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, between Florence and Siena. The Abbey is approximately 2000 years old. Ruby with aromas of black fruit and earthy spice nose. On the palate blackberry and cherry with savory tannins, good balance, noting black pepper and cacao. Medium finish ending with earthy mineral notes. Good now only short term aging benefit. — 6 years ago

Belinda

9.3

Had this in Florence and was only 18€. So good and maybe I imagined it but when the waiter decanted it, it smelled more flavorful before I took a sip. Very good Chianti for the price. — 7 years ago

Phil Vachon

9.7

Love it! Needs hours to open up, but the complexity it develops is in line with even the finest Châteauneuf-du-Pape red. — 8 years ago

with MV

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

The estate dates back to the Crusades, and Scottish navigator, George Smith, the owner in the 18th century. He was followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, and then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard now own the estate. Dark plum red with dark berry fruit aromas, herb and spice from young Cab vines. On the palate complex sweet black fruit flavors and cacao notes. Firm tannins, rich and full, lingering, mineral ending, unlike the ‘10 wait a few years. — 8 years ago