Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 2009

Date of Tasting: 15 April 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.fontodi.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 94/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 90/100, JS - 95/100, FS - 93/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dense red

Aroma: Tobacco, tar, oak, spices, and mild red berries

Palate: Rich and full. Fine dusty but sweet and velvety tannins. Notes of ripe fruits. Hint of vanilla, tea, and mushroom. Fresh acidity.

Fresh but energetic at the same time. Flaccianello range of Fontodi may be great but Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo, on the other hand, cannot be overlooked. It is almost as impressive with complexity but more reasonable priced. However, the overall structure is more like hybrid: not traditional nor modern. Enjoy with rich dishes now and 10 years to go.

Felsina Fontalloro IGT 2007

Date of Tasting: 7 December 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,750 - THB2,500

Web: http://www.felsina.it/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 9/10
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, WS - 92/100, FS - 93/100, ST - 96/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: rich ruby

Aroma: herbs, tobacco, black fruits, and soft aroma of tea, balsamic, and cinnamon

Palate: ripe and dark violet with packed flavours of blueberry, prune, and raspberry, rich and long with silky and refined tannins, medium-full bodied style, elegant, fine, and fresh, balance and crisp acidity

We decanted Felsina Fontalloro 2007 for 3 hours before serving. Just by the aroma, I have already fallen in love with this wine. It was so wonderful. Different bouquets came one after one. So complex and stylish. The sweetness and silkiness were all there. We had this along with creamy base pasta and we did not regret at all. This is an outstanding wine that would live another decade. Enjoy it now. Really good food companion, it is. Raise many more glasses, I should!!!!!!!

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2010

Date of Tasting: 29 March 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Syrah

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

Expect to Pay: THB900 – 1,400 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: n.a.
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: DC - 96/100, JR - 16.5/20.0, JS - 90/100

Appearance: crimson red

Aroma: mixed berries bouquet and spices

Palate: structured with fine tannins, medium bodied with vibrant acidity, long and lingering finish, sweet red fruits with deliciously charming complexity

This is not an ordinary wine give quality to price ratio. It is just adorable. Though I am normally a fan of Sangiovese, this is an extraordinary one. I particularly like the silky touch of it. The life span may not be so long, say 5 years or so but drinking well now too. Cheers.