90+ 2015 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 11/9/18 ($28)
13.5% alc
Color: Medium deep cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Musky red cherries complemented by complex nuances of anise, minerals, herbs and dusty Tuscan earth. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight plus with outstanding acidity and minerality with just enough fruit to meet. Smooth tannins underneath. Very tangy mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more restrained and youthfully fierce. (3.0) Finish: Long and minerally, but the fruit needs time to open as the structure calms down. (3.0)
Overall: An excellent Chianti Classico showing youthfully austere acidity and minerality, but also interesting nuances of musky cherries, anise, herbs and dusty earth. Outstanding quality for an entry level CC. Of course, the price is a bit above entry level, but this one is worth it. Particularly, if you are willing to cellar it for 3-5 years. If drinking now, serve with hearty Italian fare that the fierce acidity can cut through. (15.5)
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