August 29, 2006
Tasting Highlights: Brunello Busters, by James Suckling
Alcuni dei migliori vini da assaporare: i demolitori del Brunello, di James Suckling
“A hot growing season in Tuscany, such as 2003, usually means some excellent reds from Chianti Classico, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the recent release of 2003 Chianti Classico riservas and riserva – style red is very, very good”.
“Below are nearly two dozen wines that should make any lover of Tuscan Sangiovese take notice. Moreover, there are some excellent values, with prices ranging between $ 20 and $ 54 per bottle. I like to call these Chianti Classicos “Brunello Busters” because they offer excellent Sangiovese character for about half or three – quarters the price of most Brunellos”.
VITICCIO Chianti Classico Lucius Riserva 2003 $ 32 91/100
Loads of blackberry and licorice character follows through to a full – bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long, long finish. Lots going on the glass. Drink now through 2012. 600 cases imported.
Of eight wines that received 91 points Riserva Lucius was the lowest retail / best value.
VITICCIO Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 $ 24 90/100
Focused and very pretty, with berry and cherry character and a hint of tobacco. Full – bodied, with a solid core of tannins and a fruity, rich finish. Clewy. Best after 2007. 2200 ceses imported.
Of twelve wines that received 90 points Viticcio Riserva was the 2nd lowest retail.
December 2004
Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 $ 22 94/100
Tuscany
For the 2001 Riserva, winemaker and owner Alessandro
Landini blended Sangiovese with Merlot (20 percent), fleshing out
the wine and adding complexity. He and wife Nicoletta prefer a discreet
oak influence in their wines, aging the riserva for 12 months in
large old Slavonian casks before transferring the wine to small,
3-year-old French barriques for an additional year of maturation.
2,055 cases made.
October 2004
Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 $ 22
Classy, elegant red with plum, berry and soft mineral character. Medium-
to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, minerally finish. Best
after 2005.
2,055 cases made. – J.S.
Viticcio Chianti Classico Lucius 2001 $
30
Dark, with juicy blackberry and a hint of iodine character. Interesting,
if a bit one-dimensional. Best after 2006. 570 cases made. – J.S.
October 2002
Viticcio Chianti Classico Lucius Riserva
1999 SNA Gorgeus aromas of minerals, berries and fresh flowers. Full-bodied,
with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. All in finesse. Drink
now through 2007. 1,600 cases made. - J.S.
VITICCIO
Chianti Classico 2000 $NA 87
Chianti Classico Licius Riserva 1999 $NA 90
Chianti Classico Riserva 1999 $NA 89
Toscana Monile 1999 $NA 90
Toscana Prunaio 1999 $NA 88
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