Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Initially quite oaky on the nose, but softened up nicely with about half an hour in the glass. Modern interpretation, hard to say it's not enjoyable to drink (because it is) but ultimately a bit too oak-driven for me to search out more of these. That said, I suspect many people will like this fruit forward style, big ripe cherry and strawberry flavours. But I prefer the classic approach more. And as for the age...time has not hurt this wine, …

Russk. Andrew brought to CDC at the Ramen place. Very strong coconut notes. Slightly overwrought and out of time.

Very nice wine. Hints of oak and a definite vanilla taste.

Love this wine, still very live,y, good dark fruits, a bit of pepper and chocolate, tannins have mellowed out and nicely balanced. Petfect for drinking now

A relatively meaty sangiovese, showing lots of the usual cherry notes, though fuller and more muscular than many. Hints of leather, nice medium finish. Very good wine, but not quite enough to put it into the "great" category, particularly given the price point.

It offers up a pleasant berry, basil and leather in the nose while the palate offers big black cherry, vanilla, coffee and round tannins. It could have used a few more years but okay to drink now. I would have said it was Spanish if I didn't know where it was from.

Galloni gave 88, Suckling 90; drink until 2016

Medium+ intensity aromas of savoury oak and red fruits which replay nicely on the medium-to-full bodied palate. Good acids and excellent length on the finish.

Presentation of the Gran Selezione (The Carlu - Toronto, ON) : Another one hanging out in basement of one of my least favourite of the day. Nose of confectioners sugar, coconut, vanilla, candy, whipping cream. A banana split in your glass. Palate delivers the same. 14.5% is clearly apparent. Yikes! Avoid.