92 2001 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve (IGT - Colli Toscana Centrale) 10/7/17 ($82)
100% Sangiovese 14% alc
Color: Deep brick red with some browning. (3.0) Bouquet: Stewed cherries, sherry wood and subtle summer flowers. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent acidity and very good fruit along with plenty of smooth tannins. Mouthfeel is still lively for its age. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, with fruit a bit more prominent. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, with flowers and pretty sherry wood being more distictive here, best part. (3.5)
Overall: A charming, fully developed, pure Sangiovese. A fine example of all Sangio that is not Brunello, showing the elegance of the Chianti region. Not a great Flaccianello, like the '97 for example, but still shows a lot of character. May have been better at 10-12 years old. An old Sangio like this takes on a unique character that reminds me of old Nebbiolo (Northern Italian terroir), old claret (fancy oak treatment) and old Burgundy (pretty floral nuances) all rolled into one. Not for everyone, but certainly unique. (16)
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