I’m not going to wax poetic, mince words, or waste time with background story on this estate. Everyone knows that Felsina is a giant in Chianti Classico. The vineyard, the estate, and the wines are impeccable.
This Chianti Classico, is simply the best Chianti Classico I have ever tasted. So at this point, do one of two things. Either:
1) Stop reading now and go buy some or…
2) Finish reading this post, and then go buy some.
It’s that good.
The 2009 Felsina Chianti Classico surprised me. I have long bought Felsina’s wines because they are always good. This Chianti Classico, from the great 2009 vintage, has raised the bar for them. In the glass it is the most vibrant violet, to purple color. The aroma of the wine is utterly astounding. Crushed cherries, leather, dried flowers, dried herbs, tobacco, and fennel all combine in harmony. The palate is seamless, full bodied and balanced. Flavors follow the nose, and they are persistent, intense and woven together intricately. Elegantly, yet with power. The one caveat, is that the wine is young and on the finish, the ripe tannins do assert themselves and the wine becomes a bit chewy. This was delicious with and without food and bearing in mind what it costs, you should refer to points 1 & 2 above, and buy all you can afford. Will likely be even better with a year or two of bottle age. 94 points, about $18.
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| 2009 Felsina Chianti Classico |
John, I have the 2007 in waiting, but very hard to find around here. The reserve which I reviewed, I believe was the best CC I've had as well; 94+ points is right in your ball-park.(Derek Jeter’s 3255 hit)Wow!
I take it that's your kitchen in the photo?
Dennis,
Felsina along with Fontodi (both made by Franco Bernabei) are consistently among the best Chianti Classico's around. However, Fontodi's pricing, for both the CC and their ST, Flaccianello, has gotten utterly stupid. I bet your 2007 is excellent right now. We're fortunate to have such a string of good vintages.
Derek Jeter….are you a Yankees fan? That would be hard to believe in your neck of the woods. Jeter almost defies description with words. I am thankful to have seen him play his entire career. I'm thankful my boys have seen him. He just hit some benchmark (hits, steals, HR's, Runs) some metric…that only he and Willie Mays have done in all of MLB. He's classy, has the intangibles. Truly a once in a generation player. And yes, that's our kitchen. Most of the shots I post are on the island or the table! In the kitchen…where wine belongs!
We can still find the 2007 Felsina on the shelves here in OH. How would you compare the 2009 vintage to 2006 or 2007? I have yet to hear much about the overall vintage quality for that year.
Hi Mike,
I think 2009 is very close to 2006; so close in fact that the difference may be negligible. 2007 is the riper vintage and to me, will charm early but fade the fastest. Reminds me of 1997 but with a bit more structure. 2006 amd 2009 are classic vintages. They are ripe, structured, and complex. They drank well early and will cellar well for 10+ years. 2010 is also another stellar vintage. When I interviewed Giacomo Bartolommei from Caprili, he was especially excited for 2010. Thanks for commenting!
Agreed about the 2009 John, best Felsina CC I've tried, and generally I possibly prefer it to the Rancia and Fontolloro.
I just tasted the 2010 at a Tuscan dinner that I hosted and will be writing up soon. It's pretty close to the 2009. May be just as good.