2017 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva

Region: Chianti, Tuscany, Italy Varietal: Sangiovese Critical Acclaim: Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe Fèlsina 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga (with 70,000 bottles made) is a rich and sultry expression of pure Sangiovese with dark fruit intensity and a beautiful contouring of spice, leather and tar. This wine hits the intensity nail on the head without the overt over-ripeness that we saw in many of its peers from this hot and dry vintage. I would not recommend an especially long drinking window, but I can enthusiastically recommend this authentic taste of Chianti Classico for near or medium-term drinking. The Riserva ages in large Slavonian oak casks for 12 months. Tasting Notes: Ruby red color, with good shade and intensity. Spicy bouquet with floral notes, whiffs of ripe black-skinned fruit, leather, forest floor and balsamic hints of eucalyptus. Showing the heat of the vintage, the medium-bodied palate is already somewhat evolved, offering dried black cherry, incense and s