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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sangiovese at its Best

A fascinating comparison over dinner...
The '90 Badia was perfect, indicative of why the 1990 vintage is a great one. Knew it was going to be an outstanding wine when the fruit bouquet leaped from the bottle upon uncorking it.  To me, this is what Sangiovese is all about.  I have had 1990 Brunellos that didn't age as well as this CCR... Earthy black cherry and cedar with incredibly mellow-aged tannins.  Lovely balance of fruit and acidity... pretty bricking of the color.  Everything comes together nicely ... this wine is still in its peak drinking window if you like older Sangiovese (officially with 10% Canaiolo).
The '09 Cepparello represented the younger end of the Sangiovese spectrum very well.  I was surprised at how approachable this wine is right now. It clearly has a long life ahead with blockbuster yet oh-so-refined fruit and smooth, polished tannins... The nose was a bit reticent but continued to develop with air ,,, hints of anise began to come into play later on toward the end of dinner.
I continue to be impressed at how well the Badia a Coltibuono wines age... their 1990 Sangioveto is delicious, although the 1990 Badia CCR is softer and a bit more luscious at this juncture.  More to come on Badia wines including a review of the 1985 Badia Sangioveto....

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