Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy

凱盛泰利酒莊益壽迪紅葡萄酒

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：23226

The 2005 I Sodi di San Niccolo is developing quite nicely. Initially rather awkward, the 2005 is now starting to show its finesse. The 2005 remains a lithe, medium-bodied Sodi. At the same time, the fruit is still quite vibrant and primary, which suggests the wine will age gracefully, even if it won’t ever be one of the truly profound wines here. This is the type of vintage that frequently surprises on the upside. Sweet floral notes intermingle with hints of tar and licorice. This is an outstanding effort from a very difficult harvest. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Proprietor Paolo Panerai is adamant about it. Sangioveto is the correct name and spelling of Tuscany’s main indigenous red variety. Panerai is one of Italy’s most successful entrepreneurs. His publishing empire is vast and encompasses a number of journals running the gamut from Milano Finanza, an Italian version of Barron’s, to Class and other glossy lifestyle magazines. Since the late 1970s, Panerai has owned Castellare, one of the jewels of Chianti Classico. Castellare isn’t as well known as the trendiest estates in Tuscany, but the wines rarely fail to impress. The last few years have seen a marked increase in quality throughout the range, especially among the entry-level bottlings. Quality has never been an issue with the flagship I Sodi di San Niccolo, one of the true icons of Chianti Classico that remains under the radar. Fortunately for consumers, prices have yet to catch up with quality. Sodi is 85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera from a vineyard in the heart of the estate, where the bunches are typically loose and naturally low in vigor. Today Sodi is fermented in stainless steel, then racked into concrete for the malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged 24 months in French oak barrels, roughly 50% new. Consulting oenologist Maurizio Castelli made the first vintages. Current winemaker Alessandro Cellai arrived in 1997. Readers who want to learn more about Castellare and I Sodi di San Niccolo may want to take a look at my recent video interview with Cellai. Castellare I Sodi di San Niccolo Key Points: 1. 85% Sangioveto/15% Malvasia Nera aged in French oak barrels 2. Made from a low-vigor vineyard in the heart of the property in Castellina 3. Impeccable track record of consistency and excellence 4. Aging potential: 20-30 years

Aromas of sweet blackberry and flowers lead to a full body, with rich, chewy tannins and a long finish. There's a lot of new wood. Still needs some bottle age. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best after 2010. 1,700 cases made. -JS

Here’s a nicely layered Sangiovese (with 15% Malvasia Nera) that offers aromas of cherry, blackberry, cola, chocolate and black vanilla bean. The wine also delivers sweet spice flavors that are fueled by a smooth, supple texture: It shows excellent wholeness and intensity of flavors. ——M.L.(3/1/2010)—— 91