La Porta di Vertine Chianti Classico

14.5% abv. Blinded this on some family members. My brother guessed 2010 Napa Cabernet. I found this to be more advanced than the previous bottle from a couple of weeks ago. It's a big alcoholic aged red, so not too surprised by the Napa Cab guess.

Recent auction purchase (2 bottles). Opened this after a stellar 2011 Vintanza BdM Riserva, and, while not in the same league, this was actually pretty good. Perhaps a bit past peak, but this had some good Sangio character and plenty of stuffing to go along with the typical CC acidity. Really enjoyed this with a Del Taco Epic Carne Asada burrito.

Interesting to compare to 5 years ago. Still pretty firm and tight, with dry tannins and soft jiucy tannins, some sweet cherry and plum fruit but with a dry leather and earthy finish. Nicer wine than back then, better balance and retains its sweetness which with the softer tannins, makes for a nicer wine.

Rusty ruby color with mentholated cherry aromas. Rich and earthy cherry flavors with weighty body and nice finish. Stands up to all food but interesting to drink on its own.

Dark, muscular, with surprisingly gritty tannins still after all these years, but nonetheless has also developed a feminine quality with perfume on the nose and acidic spikes that offset the tannins nicely. While I still admire this wine as much as I did the first time I had it three years ago, at this point the once alluring cherry fruit profile seems to be fading and is overshadowed by the earthier characteristics.

I agree with previous notes. This is a more traditional solid quality Chianti. Dark, intense cherries, dark damp earth with a firm grip from the tannins. This wine will easily hold for five or more years. No rush.

Garnet color with musty cherry aroma. Sour cherry and earth with medium body and heat on the finish. Probably could use some more time.

This is not your typical Americans-buy-a-vineyard-in-Italy Chianti; this is the real deal, absolutely classic Tuscan Sangiovese. Plus intensity aromas of dark red cherries and damp earth, accompanied by touches of flowers, licorice, mint, smoke, and Beef Jerky. It's full of flavor, too, with well-integrated acid throughout, except perhaps the finish, where it and the tannins are a bit pronounced. This is beautiful now, but I'd suggest an additional year or two of cellaring. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is not your typical modern chianti. This is muscular, tight and pretty firm. Very dark in colour. Not giving up much after a quick decant. Light texture, but with a powerful finish. This has a sour cherry, earhty flavour of chianti, but feels more like a barolo in texture. Wait 2+ years on the other bottle.

Pretty tasty Chianti. First bottle. From Garagiste.

Dark cherry and chocolate notes, almost merlot like but in a good way. A hint of VA. Earthy. A touch of oak as well (no new oak though). Firm tannins. Clearly this wine needs time but a very well made classic, muscular Chianti. Very nice.

90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo-Colorino-Pugnitello. 11,000 bottles. Undeveloped aromas. Palate tight, sapid, fresh, mineral, a good Chianti Classico archetype. Tasted at Chianti Classico Collection in Florence.