Volpaia, Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2009

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Oaky-spice, blackberry. Intense, juicy berry fruit, dry oak tannins, finish concentrated but a bit hard.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Lots of blue and black berries with cherries. Brilliantly fruity big red that doesn’t feel like Chianti Classico, bit of a fruit bomb but with tannins and acid lifting up to meet fruit. Overall a balanced red, initially feels rather chunky and again needs time.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Exotic but over-ripe nose with jammy and spicy notes, a hint of oxidation, and a worrying midriff that suggests this stayed on the vine or in the barrel slightly too long. Over-extraction is the culprit.