Dark color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some red berries along with some mild minty notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lively acidity firm tannins and firm dryness. As it breathed it eased some with the fruit coming through a little more than at first. Probably a bit too young. I would give it an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
Carpineto Chianti Classico 2012 — VINTAGES#: 356048
STYLE – Medium-bodied & Fruity
For Chianti Classico, 2012 was a good year, not too warm yet ripening occurred early, with the quality set to high, but the quantities were low. A winemaker’s vintage. Carpineto’s CC comes from the northern aspect of the appellation, from a conca (amphitheater) seven km’s east of Greve, by the piccolo hamlet of Dudda. It’s cooler in this part of Chianti, with more rock imparting flavour and textured sensations into the reds. The ’12 is essentially 90 percent Sangiovese and 10 per cent Canaiolo, give or take 10 per cent. Aromas of roses and wet rocks, fresh ripe plums mashed into tomatoes, herbs and a spicy side note. Old school and precisely what CC should be, minus the funk (which it does not have or need). Ultimate pasta wine right here. Traditional style in an up to date way with temperature control and all the tools of a modern facility. No VA, no barnyard, but really natural. This explains the axiom of maintaining tradition. With so many story lines already spoken for in sectarian Chianti, maybe that is the only thing Carpineto has left to hang their Zuccotto on. David Lawrason hits the nail head on. A Chianti that ‘resets the compass.’ Tasted September 2014. Score – 90. (Michael Godel, winealign.com, Sept. 11, 2014) $19.95
