TN: Fast notes on a few Italian wines

Eric_LeVine · November 29, 2009, 6:57pm

From a few weeks ago, an eclectic set of wines at a Shabbat dinner with Eggplant Parmigiana.

2001 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico (11/13/2009)
A bit chunky and porty, this paled in comparison to a much more polished 2004 Fontodo Vigna del Sorbo. Not a bad CCR but not terribly special either.
2001 Tormaresca Castel del Monte Bocca Di Lupo - Italy, Puglia, Castel del Monte (11/13/2009)
Wow, stunningly suave. Deep notes of dark chocolate and cranberry, surprisingly smooth and polished, very lithe. Delicious.
2004 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico (11/13/2009)
Man oh man, I love 2004 CCR, and this a a gorgeous, top-shelf example. Not as rustic as some Chianti, loaded with fruit, and yet classically proportioned. Beautiful wine.
2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbera d’Asti Superiore (Bionzo) - Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d’Asti Superiore (11/13/2009)
As always, this was delicious. Blackberry, bitter chocolate, lots of oak but well integrated. Not OTT but certainly extreme–a hedonistic and delicious expression of Barbera.

Bob_Hughes · November 29, 2009, 10:05pm

It’s early in the race, but I think a lot of vintages will eventually pale in comparison to the '04 CCR’s, IMO. Felsina in particular hit a home run that year, and I have the CCR, Rancia & Fontalloro all resting comfortably in the cellar so’s I can check on their progress towards greatness from time-to-time.

Eric_LeVine · November 29, 2009, 10:17pm

All I personally have from 2004 in the cellar is Felsina Rancia. How long before you think that one will get to a good point of maturity? I have four in the cellar, so I am assuming I don’t even want to touch the first until 2014, but I don’t have a real clue–don’t cellar a ton of CCR.