Daniele Nardi's website

Tasted on February 2, 2024. #DailyWine #Wine #Sangiovese #Tuscany #ChiantiClassico #Chianti #CastellInVilla

Finally I am tasting and reviewing the 2019 vintage of this iconic wine!

Right off the bat, I want to say that I am not impartial to this wine (can we really be objective when tasting?). This is the wine that made me fall in love with Chianti Classico and that made me understand that exceptional (not just good) wine didn’t need to cost a lot of money. I had the 2015 riserva, and the 2017 and 2018 annata, and I loved (not just liked) them all.

Dry red wine, 14% alcohol. Medium intensity, dark ruby color. Medium intensity nose, dominated by raspberry, strawberry, and hints of sage and spices. After the first impression, also balsamic notes emerge. Medium body, concentrated flavors that carry on in a long finale with jujubes. The bright acidity makes you wonder how well this will taste in 5 years.

I am captivated by the persistent fruit aromas that linger and by the light yet concentrated texture. Unlike the 2018 vintage, there is no perception of oak at all. Just pure, delicious red fruit.

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Second tasting on March 24, 2024.

Medium opacity, burgundy color. Medium intensity nose, with cherry, cherry cake, strawberry, sage. Perfectly balanced texture, with concentrated flavors, acidity, and medium-full body. Long finish with red fruit. Upon re-tasting, I am impressed by the concentration of flavors. This is a benchmark Sangiovese. I am confirming the 4.5/5 rating.