Felsina Berardegna Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2015 750mL

The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeastern part of the Chianti Classico appellation, northeast of Siena. Almost exclusively with a southwestern exposure, they sprawl across ventilated slopes at an altitude ranging from 320 to 420 meters above sea level. Geologically, the terrains are mixed: in the higher parts the soil is predominantly rock quartz and calcareous alberese mixed with alluvial pebbles; strataform sandstone and loam characterize the vineyards on the edge of the Colli Senesi in the direction of the Crete Senesi. First vintage was in 1967.

Grape Varietals:

100% Sangiovese

Tasting Notes:

Ruby red, with fine tonality and intensity. Spicy nose with notes of blossoms, wild berries, and mineral tones. Notes of spice and crisp fruit on the palate, with self-confident but supple tannins, and impressive structure and breed.

94 Points - James Suckling, "What a delicious nose that’s ripe, but also really well defined with dried red plums, hazelnuts, Indian spices, baking spices, cedar, tar and licorice. The dusty tannins are a delight, and so are the dried fruit and spices that warm the palate. They also penetrate all the way through to the long, charcoal-laden finish. Drink in 2021."

93 Points - Wine Spectator, "Flavors of black cherry, plum, earth, chestnut, leather and bark are matched to a dense, brooding profile. Needs time to find balance, while cherry notes lurk beneath as this plays out on the firm, dry finish. Best from 2022 through 2036. 5,000 cases made. -BS"

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner, "The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is a wine of increased depth and power. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit, dried cherry, grilled herbs and moist clay that has been wetted by rain drops. The wine shows power and determination on the close that gives it momentum and persistence. This wine shows good possibility for further evolution in the bottle over the next five years or more."

92 Points -  Vinous, Antonio Galloni, "The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is just beginning to show the first signs of opening in its bouquet, but it is much less giving on the palate. Readers should plan on cellaring it for at least another few years. The 2015 is a terrific example of the wild, feral Chianti Classicos that are typical of Castelnuovo Berardenga and Fèlsina."

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast, "Aromas of dark culinary spice, mature berry and a whiff of new leather emerge in the glass. The tightly wound, tense palate offers wild cherry, licorice and clove framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Give this another year or two at least to fully develop. Drink 2019–2025."