93 2001 Felsina Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2/20/11 ($28)13.5% alc
Color: Very deep garnet with slight browning at rim. Looks ready. (3.5) Bouquet: Pistachios and cedary milk chocolate complement dusty red and black cherry. Acidity propelled with a Sherry-like component. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity, fruit and well-integrated cedar with smooth tannins. Light heavyweight with great intensity, but no fat. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more forward with acidity propelled fruit. Light on its feet for its weight. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but not quite as expressive, with excellent length. The combo of cedar and fierce acidity give it a slight austerity, yet is also silky and lean. (3.0)
Overall: Outstanding Chianti Classico Riserva from a top-notch vineyard. I was a little worried that the cedary oak that was prevalent in its youth might not integrate, but it has beautifully. The lean, slightly austere Sangiovese fruit and acidity are classic CC Riserva in every respect. I prefer this to the more modern Cabernet, Merlot and French oak infused newbies. Drink now and in the next 3 years. (16.5)
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