2008 Chianti Classico Riserva
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Tasting notes
Good full ruby-red. Fresh, very pure aromas of raspberry, red cherry, flint and underbrush, along with a whiff of game. Bright and generous, with a restrained sweetness but a velvety texture and plenty of pure, clean mineral, red berry and delicate fresh herb flavors. The mineral-driven finish is long and gripping. I am amazed at how good the 2008 Badia a Passignano and Chianti Classico Riserva wines are in what is generally a cooler, more difficult vintage. (ID)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
My notes for the 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori from a blind tasting read “reminds me of Tignanello.” Thankfully, I was not too far off! The Riserva Marchese Antinori includes 10% international varieties in addition to the Sangiovese, which does make it the wine closest to Tignanello in the Antinori lineup. The 2008 is a big, broad shouldered wine with dark red cherries, tobacco, licorice and herbs in a medium to full-bodied style supported by vibrant tannins and mouth watering acidity. The Riserva Marchese Antinori shows terrific length and balance through to the dark, authoritative finish. Despite an international leaning, this is without question a Sangiovese-based wine. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Longtime winemaker Renzo Cotarella has done a fabulous job with the flagships Tignanello and Solaia in 2009. In my blind tastings the pedigree of those two wines in particular came through with notable eloquence. The 2010 Tignanello and Solaia are both thrilling at this stage. They could very well turn out even better than the 2009s. Readers may want to look at my short video on the 2010s from Antinori on our website. Importer: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA; tel. (425) 415-3738
About the producer
Marchesi Antinori is a leading Italian producer, historically based in Tuscany, who rose to fame after creating Tignanello – one of the first Super Tuscans . Combining tradition and innovation to craft fine wine, the family-owned firm has been a force in the Italian wine industry for over 600 years.
Product details
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Red
Dry