92 2000 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro (IGT, Gaiole in Chianti) 3/15/14 ($40)
75% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot 13.5% alc
Color: Deep garnet with some browning at rim and very slight clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Mocha, madeira and mushroom nuances complement blackberry and stewed cherry fruit. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and fruit give it life and energy. Tangy and coats the mouth very nicely. Smooth tannins underneath. Light heavyweight. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with even more intensity. (3.0) Finish: Its strongest attribute, showing fruit propelled by acidity to give it great length with an attractive cocoa/raspberry liqueur nuance. (3.5)
Overall: This has gotten more interesting and expressive since last tasted three years ago. Cocoa and cigarbox oak are still prevalent, but much of the Merlot fruit has been replaced by secondary nuances of Madeira and mushrooms. Fruit flavors of stewed cherry, blackberry and Chambord liqueur are still very attractive. This is totally mature and at its best, so drink up. Merlot fruit and fancy French oak certainly give this a modern, almost California feel, but the Tuscan terroir does shine through as well. (16.0)
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