Intense nose of cherry, fig, leather, and pipe tobacco. Hefty tannins, mouthfilling deep flavors of cherry plum. A little oak that is complimentary, which is to say very lightly done. This is terrific. So different than Tuscan Sangiovese in its power. More like a Zin. I love this. For some reason, Delectable has this showing up from Tuscany. It is from the Alexander Valley in California — 14 days ago
A production that was under the name riserva but which received the designation gran selezion in 2009.
Color still purple almost no signs of aging. The nose is super open on blackcurrant, leather, balsamic vinegar. On the palate the acidity is moderately strong, the tannins still present and alcohol is average. Very nice balance. Blackcurrant notes on the palate, cherries, leather and lots of herbs (oregano, sage etc). Tannins a little drying. The final is medium but very pleasant.
In all I was afraid that the bottle is too old for a 2005 vintage in Chianti but far from it. The wine still has a lot of fruit and some secondary but not tertiary notes. Sangiovese is so beautiful a grape for the long hau if it's done well! — 7 days ago
Ridiculous. Intense nose of the richest macerated cherry, warm gravel, and bit of baking spice/incense. Intensely flavored and full, but with nice acid balance and still quite a bit of soft tannin. Great concentration and a lengthy finish that you don’t want to end. Exceptional. — 15 days ago
Aromas of black fruit, coffee and baking spices. Tobacco and dried prunes on the pallet. Hint of vanilla and chewy tannins. Very big but also very good. Good value for a Brunello. — a day ago
M. Christopher Roebuck
Not quite as impressive as I thought it would be. A very good pure breed Sangiovese from Tuscany. Super indeed. Mustiness complemented the otherwise balanced structure. Some early smoke and cherry, but not much mid palate. No real complexity. Liked it, but way too.much $$$ for this experience.
So as a caveat, this is a rare happening when I don't align with @Antonio Galloni . Maybe I didn't let this open long enough (1 hour). Clearly, there is something wrong with me tonight.
91+ points — 2 days ago