Fattoria Rodáno
No. 36 Bottesola Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend
Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
It’s a bit unsettling to see the last-& only—previous review was literally from last year & by one day, but also by….me. I guess that’s the definition of an echo chamber. That said, this wine is still in a dark & brooding stage, very powerful, pretty tightly coiled & with this very cool creosote/ petrol dimension, with all kinds of mint, sage & brambly bits. Like sitting with a very somber but good friend, & doesn’t need much from you. I love that friend, & I love this wine. At about 25$ it’s an insult to call it a QPR, because it’s that profoundly good. Oh, & just more proof positive that the ‘16 vintage in Italy was off the charts. Paired post meal, but very much a food wine.
It’s a bit unsettling to see the last-& only—previous review was literally from last year & by one day, but also by….me. I guess that’s the definition of an echo chamber. That said, this wine is still in a dark & brooding stage, very powerful, pretty tightly coiled & with this very cool creosote/ petrol dimension, with all kinds of mint, sage & brambly bits. Like sitting with a very somber but good friend, & doesn’t need much from you. I love that friend, & I love this wine. At about 25$ it’s an insult to call it a QPR, because it’s that profoundly good. Oh, & just more proof positive that the ‘16 vintage in Italy was off the charts. Paired post meal, but very much a food wine.
Jan 9th, 2024That it's 'only' a classico and not a riserva worth mentioning, because for about 24$ it shines like one crazy diamond (and not rough cut). All kinds of gamey notes: blood sausage, dense wild red berries, pipe smoke and tobacco. Very strong fruit but still plays second fiddle to all those other wonderful notes. Plenty of mid-palate and a long, haunting finish. Begs for all kinds of food and of course has a strong but not stringent acid backbone, though enjoyed after a meal while watching the Knicks lose to Milwaukee. Seriously old school and could imagine attracting fans of more traditional Rioja.
That it's 'only' a classico and not a riserva worth mentioning, because for about 24$ it shines like one crazy diamond (and not rough cut). All kinds of gamey notes: blood sausage, dense wild red berries, pipe smoke and tobacco. Very strong fruit but still plays second fiddle to all those other wonderful notes. Plenty of mid-palate and a long, haunting finish. Begs for all kinds of food and of course has a strong but not stringent acid backbone, though enjoyed after a meal while watching the Knicks lose to Milwaukee. Seriously old school and could imagine attracting fans of more traditional Rioja.
Jan 10th, 2023