It is unbelievable to find a 1998 Chianti at the LCBO and the unbelievable part is that it is for $25. This aged, light bodied wine has intense aromas of red berry compote, leather, pine and vanilla. Tannins are refined to tannic (decant for half to one hour) and the finish is long with balanced acidity. At the beginning, the finish is a bit metallic, but if you wait, it will oxidize away. The closest wine I can compare this Chianti to is the Fortius Grand Reserva 1999 (LCBO# 114363 - no longer available), but about half as intense. My impression: BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE, 91 pts - would highly recommend to try and to buy 4-6 bottles. Tasted July/10.

If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy

91
July 2010