TN: 2009 Fontodi - Chianti Classico (Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG)

WINE TALK
1

2009 Fontodi Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (9/23/2013)
– decanted ~30 min. before initial taste –
– tasted non-blind over 2 days –

NOSE: DAY 1: expressive; dark red fruits; clean (no brett); hint of mint; very clean black cherry. DAY 2: the same as Day 1, but now with a hint of smoke, too.

BODY: blackish-garnet color of medium-deep depth; medium-light to medium bodied.

TASTE: very tannic; strong mineral edge; some garrigue in the background; black cherry; flashy, despite the medium-low to medium acidity; slight hint of leather; fruit is ripe, but not gloppy; a bit ashy; 14% alc. not noticeable; I imagine this would improve (“relax” ) with ~ 5 years in the cellar. DAY 2: much better than Day 1: leaner and more complex, with extra emphasis on the mineral and leather tones. Hold.

B: 50, 5, 12, 16, 8 = (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Great detailed note, thanks. Dont have any 09’s but have a sixpack of the 10’s and contemplating trying one. However as i think 10’s are less aproachable young than 09’s, i should probably just let them rest a few years based on your note.

3

I opened a 2006 Fontodi CC tonight. Still tight. Good, but tight. I have 5 more left and I will let them age for a few more years. I’ll try an '07 soon.

Byron

4

Love the wines. Price kind of makes it tough to buy the wines.

5

Thanks for the notes Brian. I’ll sit on mine for 4-5 years as you advise.

6

Tasted at the Domaine, this wine struck me as much fatter and riper than both the Flaccianello and other Chiantis from the same vintage (e.g., Isole e Olena). There is a lot of stuffing here, but it really does need some bottle age to sharpen up, develop additional complexity/layering, and lose a bit more of that rustic character that is showing. Right now, the 2009 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico is drinking better IMO, although it does need 1/2 to 1 hour of air at least to show its stuff.