December 1
2006 Felsina Chianti Classico
I didn’t have really high expectations for this wine, because I saw it as “the cheap version” of the Felsina Chianti Classico “Rancia”, which goes for twice the price. But this wine is not half as good. I’ve fallen for this scenario before… buying the lesser wine of a maker who’s premier wine is fabulous. I have found this seldom means much. In this case, however, what you get is what you would expect, if you didn’t have my experiences… a very nice Chianti Classico with real character and depth.
I agree completely with both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker on this wine, and see it as getting a good wine for the money. Can you do better for just under $20? Probably, but it won’t be easy. If you think you like Chianti and haven’t ventured outside of the grocery store or Trader Joes, etc., buy this wine and you won’t be sorry. People certainly pay more for less… case in point, the Ruffino Chianti Classico; this wine blows the Ruffino away.
Rating: 90
Price: $18 (K&L)
Listed in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2008! 90 points and a Smart Buys designation from the Wine Spectator: “Lavender and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with a solid core of fruit and a tangy aftertaste of citrus fruit and dried cherry. Best after 2009.” (09/08) 89 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2006 Chianti Classico is a beautiful, plump wine loaded with vibrant, sweet, ripe fruit. It offers lovely depth in an engaging style that is sure to find many admirers. This is a terrific effort from one of Italy’s most consistently outstanding producers. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Felsina is a reference-point estate for everything that represents the finest of Chianti Classico. Proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin and long-time consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei make some of the most expressive wines in Italy.” (08/08)
