October focus: New Releases of Chianti Classico 2018 & Super Tuscan 2019
"Readers will find much to choose from in both 2018 and 2019, two very different vintages full of highlights... the top wines in this report are utterly breathtaking, Chianti Classico and Chianti also offer the consumer so many exceptional everyday values." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
October focus: New Releases of Chianti Classico 2018 & Super Tuscan 2019
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
This is savoury, dry in the best possible way, with a ton of red fruits, dried roses and herbs, and waves of fragrance. It’s a successful blend where the Sangiovese is dominant, conferring the wine with its warm personality but the Cabernet Sauvignon adds a touch of austerity to the tannins and a sense of quiet confidence. Turmeric and olive tapenade as it opens, alongside raspberry, red cherry and smoky oak, the whole thing both extremely delicate and intensely fragrant. Can drink now with a short carafe - there are tannins here but they are well defined and finely layered - but it will also age. Small amounts of the 2018 were released last winter, but this September sees the first proper release through the Place de Bordeaux. Ageing 18 months in small French oak barrels, 70% new, plus four months in concrete tanks afterwards. One to look out for - great stuff from the Mazzei family, that has been making wine in Tuscany since the 15th century.HK$1,620.00 -
Vinous (99)
The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out.HK$3,250.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Vinous (92)
The 2019 A Quo, Montepeloso’s entry-level red, delivers the goods and then some. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2019 offers up a bevy of crushed berry fruit, rose petal and cinnamon, all in a mid-weight style that emphasizes freshness and energy to balance the natural richness of Tuscany's Maremma. Medium in body and wonderfully translucent, the 2019 is an absolute beauty. Best of all, it’s a steal.HK$795.00 -
(1x150cl) 2019
Wine Advocate (97)
In a sense, this wine is like the Bosco dei Sugheri but with the addition of one more grape variety in the blend. The Tua Rita 2019 Giusto di Notri is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. I tasted the wine shortly after it had been bottled. With 40,000 bottles made, it should start hitting the market now. The Giusto di Notri offers lots of dark primary fruit with important structure and texture in this classic vintage. Blackberry and black plum cede to spice, tar and campfire ash. There's nothing not to like in this vintage that far exceeded initial expectations. I look forward to tasting more Tuscan reds from the excellent 2019 growing season.HK$1,060.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
In a sense, this wine is like the Bosco dei Sugheri but with the addition of one more grape variety in the blend. The Tua Rita 2019 Giusto di Notri is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. I tasted the wine shortly after it had been bottled. With 40,000 bottles made, it should start hitting the market now. The Giusto di Notri offers lots of dark primary fruit with important structure and texture in this classic vintage. Blackberry and black plum cede to spice, tar and campfire ash. There's nothing not to like in this vintage that far exceeded initial expectations. I look forward to tasting more Tuscan reds from the excellent 2019 growing season.HK$3,385.00 -
(1x150cl) 2019
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of violets, blackberries and black truffles follow through to a full body with firm, silky tannins with lots of texture that’s caressing and enticing. Such polish and beauty. Very long and powerful. So much structure this year, 100% merlot. Best after 2024.HK$3,170.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of violets, blackberries and black truffles follow through to a full body with firm, silky tannins with lots of texture that’s caressing and enticing. Such polish and beauty. Very long and powerful. So much structure this year, 100% merlot. Best after 2024.HK$4,460.00