2009 Fattoria Felsina Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy.
Felsina is one of the grand estates of Chianti and one of the true glories of Italy, located in the Southern most zone of Chianti Classico near historic Siena. Felsina makes rich and elegant wines that can be haunting and magical, especially the Fontalloro and Rancia that are both Sangiovese in the purist of expressions, but Felsina’s Chianti Classico should never be overlooked as it is a stunner and a super value. The 2009 Fattoria Felsina Chianti Classico is beautifully detailed, refined and rewarding with life, depth and balance. The nose is floral with a cast of fresh and dried flowers, tea spices, sweet herbs and tangy red currants leading to a smoothly textured palate of wild strawberries, raspberry, plum and cherry fruits with hints of licorice, tobacco leaf and mineral notes. This wine is pure finesse and grace, but still gives plenty of Chianti charm and lots of simple pleasure, making it flexible with many foods and moods.
($27 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive