Casaloste, Chianti Classico, Don Vincenzo Riserva

Modern-style Chianti Classico Riserva. It could improve in the next five years. Very enjoyable with a good decant. Sorry, Russ, I couldn’t resist opening it. Still have a 2004 magnum of the Riserva Don Vincenzo.

This continues to drink beautifully. Not quite as expressive on the nose now, but much smoother on the palate. Full-bodied, very rich and plush in texture, showing a little less of its delicious, ripe cherry and plum fruit at this point. Still displays excellent depth and intensity on the mid-palate, with a milder acidity than before. The long, silky smooth finish is so polished and exquisitely balanced. Subtle hints of chocolate, mineral and spice linger gently. Turns slightly sweet at …

Clear with no sediment and no visual flaws. The nose was a bit closed with a hint of metal and bark, balance was medium with clear streak of acidity. Taste was very nice with a bit of stone/flint with a hint of strawberry. Could have used a bit more lift and complexity. Definitely tart. Medium to short finish. A: 5 N: 7 B: 7 T: 16 F: 4 = 89

Meh, it was ok. Expected much more. Not nearly as good as the Castello di Bossi 2007 Riserva.

Wonderful, old-world, utterly correct CCR. I loved it--a little too much, for (unlike really good claret) it can give you a hangover.

Previous bottle was flawed, so I decided to try another. Consistent with my first note from back in March. Not quite as spectacular on the nose, but still very attractive and complex - showing pretty aromas of berries, earth, violets and spice. Full-bodied and rich, offering a juicy mouthful of tart, sour cherry and blackberry fruit with a lively acidity. Finishes long, with lingering notes of espresso, leather, dark chocolate and a touch of oak. The ultra-fine tannins are already …

Could tell while pouring that there was something wrong. Color was brownish, with very little of anything on the nose. This wine is so good that even though partially spoiled, it was still drinkable and even somewhat enjoyable.

The nose was rich with ripe red fruits, floral notes, sweet cherry, herbs and minerals. On the palate, it was balanced and refined with dark red fruits and spice, yet lost momentum quickly.

What a gorgeous nose this has! Fabulous aromas of dried fruits, berries, sweet spice and pine forest. Full-bodied and very silky. Deep and penetrating on the mid-palate. Lots of ripe fruit along with hints of vanilla, spice and oak. The finish is long and juicy, featuring tannins that are ultra-fine and smooth. Shows excellent balance too. Very polished, complex and satisfying. Drinks more like a Super-Tuscan than a Chianti, but is nonetheless exceptionally good. 93+ 50+5+14+16+8=93

Agree with the poster below. I tasted this at the MIA event as well and found the wine to be among the best, and this was after having tasted Brunellos for two hours. I would love to try it again.

RUSSK Italian Wine Masters in Mia. 91+ One of my top 3 wines of the day. Beguiling with fine grain tannic finish.