Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009

This Riserva is made only from grapes grown on the Gabbiano Estate in the heart of Tuscany. Only the oldest and best Sangiovese vines on the property are used. Fermented in stainless steel tanks for 20 days, and for more extraction the wine was macerated on the skins for another 20, followed by aging in 50% new French oak for 16 to 18 months, and finally in bottle for 4 months.

Made from a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, with dark ruby colors in the glass revealing big aromas of pastel strawberry and dark cherry. On the palate a range of flavors evolve from chocolate to vanilla to coffee to mild hints of spicy wood, good tannins showing, a sweet balance and a long, smooth finish.