2011 Coltibuono, Chianti Classico “RS” DOCG, Tuscan Red, Italy.
This ripe and juicy Sangiovese from the heart of Chianti Classico is reliable and easy to love from one of the oldest continuously run wineries in the world. The 2011 vintage was a warm/hot year and finding balanced wines can be a challenge, but Coltibuono did very nicely and while not overly serious the RS Chianti Classico has all the right stuff to make for an entertainingly interesting wine that delivers plenty of pleasure. The 2011 Coltibuono Chianti Classico RS starts with warm red fruits, floral notes and sweet herbs leading to a forward palate of blackberry, baked cherry, plum and raspberry fruits with a touch of sandalwood, lavender, tobacco leaf, cedar, spiced plum and minty/anise in smooth layers. There are sweet tannins and low acidity, which makes for great young drinking, and not a wine for mid or long term cellaring, which is perfectly fine here, in a simple country red that is not meant to anything pretentious anyway, just enjoy the nice fruit and Tuscan sun character, perfect for pizza or pasta, drink from 2014 to 2016. Coltibuono has stepped up it’s game in recent vintages and these warm vintages have actually been a blessing here, these are stylish, user friendly wines and a solid choice on bistro lists.
($16 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
