I’m normally a little leery of reviewers I haven’t heard before but thought I would give this one a try given the rating on it. Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet there are some mild red berries, but none of the dried fruits that can be there on a number of Italian wines. I was surprised how subdued, almost dead the fruit on this one tastes. I would say it’s too old but it’s only a 2009. On the lighter side of medium in length finish the wine displays some nice dryness that builds nicely in the mouth along with some fine tannins. I was quite disappointed by this wine. It’s not horrible, but it’s not great either. I would give it an 88. A far cry from what the rater gave it. And I can’t even imagine it lasting another year let alone 5-8 years. Either I had a tired bottle or the rater and I have completely different tastes. If I had more left, I’d take them back.
From the LCBO web site:
FRASCOLE CHIANTI RUFINA 2009 VINTAGES 85167 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Az. Ag. Frascole
Release Date: Oct 13, 2012
Wine, Red Wine
14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Blend – Other
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Sugar Content: 4 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Description
The most famed sub-region of Chianti outside of the Classico zone, Chianti Rufina rests in the northeast of the region and is sheltered by mountains, creating a more continental climate and leading to a great range of flavours in the wine.
Tasting Note
Lively pale ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is rich, with powerful cherry and forest berry fruit supported by pleasing vegetal accents and deft sour berry fruit acidity; it’s quite fresh and quite refreshing, a wine that invites repeated sniffs. On the palate it’s rich, and medium bodied, with full powerful cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish with slight bitter underpinning. Graceful, and will drink very well with foods, will also age nicely for 5-8 years or more. Worth seeking out. Score – 90. (Kyle Phillips, italianfood.about.com, Undated) .
