1 | Wine | Chianti, 2008

"Silky, with cherry and strawberry flavors, this red is balanced and elegant. The structure is vibrant and shepherds the fruit and mineral notes to a lingering aftertaste."

"This has grip and fine Sangiovese character, evoking bitter cherry, tobacco, leather and spice flavors. A harmonious wine, lingering with an aftertaste of tobacco and mineral."

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva is gorgeous, especially for a vintage that was not easy. Black cherries, mint, licorice and tobacco are supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, both of which should allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. The 2008 could still use another year or two to soften, but it is gorgeous, even today."

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva shows good persistence in a forward, jammy style with good intensity but limited overall complexity"

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is beautiful in this vintage. It shows gorgeous mid-palate depth and pliancy, with wonderful richness in its sweet dark fruit, smoke, licorice and grilled herbs. The 10% Cabernet Sauvignon works particularly well in this vintage, as it seems to give the wine a measure of depth and delineation that is less obvious in the Flaccianello. Higher toned floral notes add lift on the finish. The Vigna del Sorbo is a touch restrained in 2008, as are most wines, yet it shows fabulous balance and tons of personality."