Fattoria di Montecchio, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2009

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Sweet and oaky nose. Raw oaky barrique tannin palate.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Clean and bright on eye but confused on nose, aromas are muddled – smells like cucumber? Like salad vegtables and tastes like spring onions. The body is lithe, tannins and acidity feel balanced, but doesn’t feel heavy weight enough to make it as Riserva.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Modern wine with signature Cabernet notes of eucalyptus and mint on the nose. Plenty of oak and extract that takes one out of central Tuscany down to Bolgheri. Which is not a compliment. Lean and mean-spirited on the finish with tannins ever-present blocking what fruit there may have been from making its presence felt.