Villa Antinori 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

 

Villa Antinori 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, $31.44-$39.99, 94 points, poured a deep ruby red color with a thin penumbra of amber/red, clear meniscus, and a torrent of hanging legs.
The bouquet was smoky, savory, chocolatey and red-fruity with perfumed dried cooking herbs.
A near full-bodied Chianti, dry, brightly acidic, sporting fine grainy tannins delivering an apropos leanness and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas with black and red pepper notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, iron, a refined oak, red pepper, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Marinara pizza.
This Chianti ventured into Brunello quality. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES
Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Rossino Veneto 2023 Chardonnay IGT

 

Rossino Veneto 2023 Chardonnay IGT, $6.37-$16.99, 87 points, was a rainbow of light lemony-gold colors.
Aromas of pome blossoms, orange zest, and a hint of lime juice were uncharacteristic of Chardonnay, but simple and yet lovely.
This Italian Chardonnay was light-bodied, showed good acidity, and delivered deliciously straightforward white wine with subtle flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished as it began but with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked porkchops, but only okay with my chicken-breast sub.
At under $10, a steal and suitable white table wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Villa Cerna Primocolle 2021 Chianti Classico

 

Villa Cerna Primocolle 2021 Chianti Classico, $11.38-$24.99, 89 points, poured a blood red with an amber penumbra, clear meniscus, and copious small legs.
Aromas were soft wood, black tea, and perfumed floral notes.
This 2021 Chianti Classico was dry, lean, slightly tannic, and quite acidic. Flavors were dominated by tea and iron, but hints of mint, red raspberry-cream, earth, and dried herbs were tasty.
Finished very long on the trailing palate and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my wife's chili. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley 2023 Chardonnay

 

Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley 2023 Chardonnay, $23.79-$29.99, 87 points, was a light brass color with a very broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of apples, cantaloupe, a hint of sour apricot, and dusty citrus notes were okay.
Another Willamette Valley medium-bodied off dry Chardonnay, and this showed fair acidity and rich flavors of caramel, white grape, nuanced with lemon zest, hint of oak, and crème brulée.
Finished slightly weak, but tasty and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked chicken and great with my crusty fruit tarts.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

Secoli 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso

 

Secoli 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso, $11.42-$29.99, 86 points, poured a deep ruby red with orange highlights and bleeding thin meniscus.
Aromas were dominated by funk notes (slightly faulted wine) with subtle cinnamon, raisin, and perfumed black fruit.
This close-out Valpolicella suffered a bit early on, but after two days actually improved sufficiently to pair just fine with my Texas burger.
Full-bodied, showed good acidity, plank of firm tannin, and rebounding flavors reflective of the aromas with mint and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 14% alcohol. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2019 Barolo (DOCG)

 

Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2019 Barolo (DOCG), $23.79-$48.99, 90 points, poured a burnt orange color with a cloudy meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas of shoe polish, black tea, and ripe red raspberry were pleasant.
This 2019 Barolo was light-medium-bodied, brightly acidic, showed fine-grainy tannins, and flavors of red cherry, oak notes, and cayenne infused Crème Brûlée.
Finished long on the trailing palate, cinnamon, iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger