Russ Kujan

9.2

2017 vintage. DOCG Chianti Classico. Part of Italy’s 73 regions ranked as top quality tier. This is from the village of Radda. Apparently, Radda’s Chiantis are exceptionally high-toned and elegant. Deep garnet color, you get preserved cherry, black plum, espresso, a medium amount of tannin with an elegant finish with a layer of sweetness. Giving it time to breath softens the tannins and opens up the flavor. — 3 days ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.1

A bit rustic, but everything in place
A delicious Chianti from Radda
Good freshness that drives the ride — 6 months ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.0

A much better result than i expected
Vibrant like a good sangio and soft thanks to the merlot.
Lovely finish.
Very easy drinking.
Not complex — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.

From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years. — 2 years ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Thoroughly enjoyable. Great dark red and purple fruit. Nice expressive nose. Seamless and full while still retaining some lightness. Excellent lifting acid on the finish. 100% Sangiovese. Very nice. — 4 months ago

Ted

8.9

Being 8 years old it did not seem to have broken down that much. Nice mellow Chianti. — 5 months ago

with Jeni

Byron Hewett

9.1

Interesting expression of Sangiovese. High altitude vineyard in Radda. 13.5% abv. Harmonious seamless cherry fruit. Not that tart. Not showing the typical Sangiovese bite on the finish. A polished, refined Chianti Classico. Delicious if somewhat atypical. — 9 months ago

Jason Sliwa

9.2

Loved this the first day. It dropped off the second day. On first day, it was very youthful in expression, and full bodied. I loved it. — 4 months ago

with Vicki

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Intense nose has sweet/sour cherry, a whiff of vanilla, minerally gravel. Concentrated flavors of crisp cherry, leather, and savory mineral accents. Very nice acids. Soft tannins. Long finish. Lots of character and nice balance for a great price (under $20 from Garagiste). — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

8.9

Believe it or not, in the early 1970’s there were less than a handful productive wineries in the Radda UGA; Castello di Volpaia was one of those. Radda was simply remote and difficult to get to. However, times have changed and today, there are more than 40 active wineries! Volpaia is somewhat unique in that its vineyards are some of the highest elevation in the entire Chianti Classico zone.

Popped and poured, the 2021 “Chianti Classico” pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with light notes of cherry, orange pith, dried green herbs and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If Radda has a reputation for more elegant wines, then Volpaia is a leading example. While it’s more “reserved” than many others, there is substance and has a story to be shared. Drink now with some patience but I think this will be even more enjoyable in the next 5-10 years. — a year ago