91
Mar, 2010
90
Purchased in the US for $17.99 (that's a full $11 cheaper than our LCBO monopoly). Initially a bit closed on the nose and rather shy on the palate as well. But wait, with some air, the true character emerges. Pronounced red sour cherry fruit, with hints of dried fruit and leather. Finishes with fine acidity and some still significant tannin at nearly 6 years on. Quite an intense wine, makes no apolgies for its traditional Tuscan roots. Very good now, but needs another 2 years or a good decant. Should live to 2020+. Excellent indeed. Tasted June 2012.
89
A Chianti Classico Riserva wine by law, must age for at least two years in wood and another 3 months in the bottle prior to release. Monsanto can initially be somewhat acidic which is typical of the region but with a year or two in the cellar the pronounced black cherry and tannin structure will integrate nicely. If you open it now, try it with a tomato based pasta dish.
88
January 2019
