This is pure joy in a bottle. Unmistakeably Italian with Aromas and flavors blackberry, spice, mushroom and coffee bean on a rich, lush palate of fine tannin and acid with a finish that just won't quit. Best Chianti I have had in a long, long time. 93 points. $45 in this neck of the woods.

Thanks for the notes. After visiting Passignano in June, I purchased a bottle to bring back to the US with me.

quote:

Originally posted by joea:

After visiting Passignano in June, I purchased a bottle to bring back to the US with me.

What a fun place!

We visited the 'castle' in June of '06; had dinner there one evening as well. We brought back 6 of the '01s; I've got three left and there's no hurry to open.

FWIW, I hade a bottle of the '00 on Wednesday evening that was a big, brooding, tannic monster of a CCR; superb color, fruit, and concentration - needs a couple of hours in the decanter.

I really like this Chianti Riserva in every vintage. The 2001 being my favorite of the past 10 years.

Kybo,

The 2000 is very underrated. I've had this 4 or 5 times and it has been great each time.

This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

You both will enjoy it I think, and very close to where you are staying.

The view in the Fall could be spectacular if the leaves on the vines have not fallen. Some of my favorite trips to the wine country have been in the Fall.

Love this wine....bought enough to be drinking it often for nights we cook Italian or bring Carrabba's home as well as enough to stockpile for aged drinking. It is soo smooth right now.

Miss the old label with vertical design and pastel colors but this is nice too, albeit more traditional.

STRONG BUY, Drink AND Hold!

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

Make sure to eat at the restaraunt -

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

Make sure to eat at the restaraunt -

Already have a reservation for that Saturday night we're in the area.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

Make sure to eat at the restaraunt -

Already have a reservation for that Saturday night we're in the area.

Smart man - unless things have changed drastically, you'll love it.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
This place is on my short list for a visit in October.

Make sure to eat at the restaraunt -

Already have a reservation for that Saturday night we're in the area.

Don't forget to tell Maurizio and Marcello I said hello.

I sent Marcello an email yesterday asking if we could do a tour of the cellars before our 8PM dinner. Hope so.

Just go easy on the barrel samples before dinner. I swear I've never left that place without having at least consumed 2 bottles of wine. Not that I am complaining.

Drinking terrific tonight. Seems to be building and evolving on previous experiences.

Rich, deep nose. Lots of black cherries, black licorice and sweet molasses with hints of expresso beans. Slightly smokey finish with lush, well-blended tannins. Wonderfully long, strong palate. Held up well on day two.

Ardeis in Seminole

Love this wine. Still have 6+ bottles. 2001 was such a great year for Chianti Classico.I think I paid around $22 for this 5-6 years ago.

Wish I could enjoy dinner tonight at Osteria di Passignano.

I will second W+A comment. Simply put an outstanding restaurant.

IW

+3

Have eaten there 3 times. Additionally I have always enjoyed Antinori's Badia a Passignano, especially 2001 vintage.

Side note, just ordered a 3L 2004 Badia! Can't wait to drink it.