This is a reliable Chianti year-in, year-out.

The 2011 claims to have "a bit" of Merlot - evident in the slightly rounder mouthfeel and dark plums.

Dark red colour with some rust, but lighter in tone.

Nose of big cherries, white mushrooms, savoury herbs and slight mocha.

On the palate it's full and warming, without being a fruit explosion. Medium-plus acid provides bite, while the tannins are medium-minus. Plums, cloves, slight black liquorice.

Tasted January 2015.