Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2009

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Massacred by oak on the nose and the palate.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Opaque purple red opulent nose, posh scented candles. Tick box expensive wine, sense of place? Manicured, suited and booted Tuscany. Nose is more exciting than palate. In time palate might meet nose. I wouldn’t bother. No vigour.

Tasting: Chianti Classico Riserva

Almost opaque, saturated core. Tightly knit on the nose but the oak completely dominates this otherwise very impressive wine. The finish is long, acidity present and correct, fruit ripe and generous, but the oak subjugates all of these and the final impression is one of vanilla and toast. A shame, really, as this could have been very good indeed.