Rocca di Montegrossi, Chianti Classico, San Marcellino

The nose was dark, but a bit dank, showing ripe, crushed black cherry, hints of moist cedar, mint, verging on menthol, and exotic spices. On the palate, I found velvety textures, as sweet and sour cherry and plum flooded the senses, leaving moist earth-tones, minerals, a hint of animal muskiness, and finishing on sweet inner herbs. The finish was medium in length, with a bit of a sour cherry and acidic twang, savory herbs, and wild berry, as hints of …

Flabby and overripe.

Drank this over several days and it was good every day. Deeper and darker than most chiantis, with very smooth tannins, and less noticeable acid than you typically see from this region and varietal. I am a fan of subtlety and this wine is subtle, but it has some personality too.

Not like the usual chianti; heavier and more solid. Unable to determine if this was an odd bottle or the way this wine was intended to be.

Enjoyable, but poor QPR at $30. Muted cherry and strawberry fruit and some pleasing tannins, but not very complex or powerful. The 2004 is a much more powerful wine. This opened up more over a few hours, but it did not improve significantly.

Took to a restaurant. No decanting. Very smooth and ready to drink right out of the bottle. Opened up even more by the end.

Italian Tasting: lots of red cherry fruit, and a salty or minerally character with plenty of tart acidity and dry tannins. It’s not a huge wine, it’s just that the typical flavors were amplified.

Toasty oak and red cherry. Beautiful fruit and perfume on the palate with a long finish.