Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend

Older bottles of Chianti are some of the wine world’s unknown treasures. Everyone is happy to age Brunello but you don’t see many people putting away Chianti in the cellar. And they’re missing out. If you can find old bottles you can sometimes get them for a song, as I did a bunch of these from @garagiste_wine. You want to talk about punching above your weight?!? These suckers are classy AF. Dark fruit with leather, a touch of graphite and earth. Great acidity still, decant and watch them shine. 1996 Terreno “Riserva” Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy. ⁣

Felt like opening something with some age on it, and decided on one of these beauties I snagged for a relative song from @garagiste_wine a while back. It opens with deep mushroom and pencil shavings aromas and goes in to deliver finely textured graphite and leather and dried cherries mixed with herbs. Chalk-dusty tannins add a little texture to this nicely refined personality. Unfolds beautifully with some air.

Tomato leaf, mushrooms and fresh mulch. A joy to drink

Tea leaves - old leather - nice

Took a good amount of time to open. Give it 4 hours.

Chewy. Held up amazingly well (96)

So chewy. Can’t believe how well held up (96).

JR wine Cved a month priori opened 12/2/20. Stewed cherries and earthy autumnal forest notes. Balanced palate good finish. Excellent with Andrews soupy chicken pot pie

Garagiste selection. $45.99. Excellent Chianti Classico. Very smooth tannins.

My favorite Chianti.... black pepper and leather up front with dried cherry.