1998 Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico, Barone Ricasoli
Appearance: deep purple-red, slightly orange rim.
Nose: gorgeous sweet and sour cherry fruit, deep and ripe enough to balance superbly with the oak here (this wine is kept, as Nicolas Belfrage notes, for up to 18 months in barrique which is a long time really).
Palate: supple, surprisingly lowish tannins, excellent acidity and great fruit with a decent balance of fruit to alcohol. Very long.
Conclusion: top draw Chianti in a modern but not too modernist style. Very good and capable of further ageing.
Rating: 18.5/20
