I don’t drink that much Chianti, indeed I can only really think of three producers whose wines I buy out of choice. This one is my favourite. What a name it has got, though.
Berardenga Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 1999, Felsina
A soft nose of maturing red fruit. Still smells quite lively, though, and its quite concentrated. It is remarkably smooth and silky for a Chianti, with plenty of fruit and good enough length. It is hardly thrilling, but it is a nice enough drink.
Had a bottle about the same time. I thought the wine on the modern side but rather dull. There was a bit red fruit masked by some glue wooden flavors. 10 years ago a had a soft spot for Rancia but after a recent vertical I am less than convinced. 2001 funny enough was one of the better bottles. The 99 could have come from anywhere. Already one day after opening the wine was flabby and short.
I pretty much agree. I was hoping for a considerably more interesting bottle of wine; it was merely good enough to drink with few complaints from either me or the neighbour. I’ll try the 2001 if I see it, but I won’t be buying the 1999 again. I think the 1999 didn’t quite merit a ‘sub-interest’ rating, it had quite a bit of life and was reasonably charming. I suppose this is Elitist Review, perhaps I should pay more attention to standards and not be so easily satisfied in the future!
David.