Bought this on release probably ten years ago and have been holding onto it ever since. Had it tonight at a local Italian BYO with a rockin’ good, fork tender pork shank. Did not decant. In the glass, it was a deep red tending very slightly to rust at the rim. The nose showed pretty, aromatic berry, currant, herbs and earth, with maybe a flroal, perfumey element. On the palate, it was medium- to full-bodied, with surprisingly expressive bright red fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins. If I remember correctly from when this was young, the acid has resolved, leaving ripe fruit and tannin standing out, leading it to taste more like a young wine in need of time! The flavors echoed the nose, showing no harsh edges, just a beautiful, dry, concentrated flavor profile that hung on through a long finish. Just lovely. My score: 92/100.
Posts: 745 | Location: Ohio | Registered: Nov 13, 2001
Great note Bott. Fontodi has always been my favorite Chianti although I have found that lately, the acids are unmanageable when young. I have never sat on one for 13 years but with the late 90's vintages, I may have to do just that to let the acids integrate.
On a side note, I saw this and other older Fontodi's on winebid last month for dirt cheap (under $40). Sounds like I should have grabbed a few.
