A traditional Tuscan wine, from the Castellina area of Chianti – old vineyards, and this wine from the time when the Lucherini Bandini family owned the land (it is now in part of the Cecchi family of brands). Approaching forty years in the bottle, but showing no great signs of age – just a little browning to the light garnet red colour in the glass. The nose is mysterious – there’s not much of that granite and medicinal edge that comes with Chianti and Sangiovese – savoury aromas of leather and dried herbs merge with morello cherry, blackcurrant and plum fruits. The palate is balanced but delicate. The tannin is mellow but fine, and the oak is still clear – framing that red fruit. More typicity comes through – balsamic, tapenade and liquorice – but with balance and elegance to the fore. It is drinking very well for the age. 93pts
Tenuta Villa Rosa Chianti Classico 1985
