The 2009 Chianti Classico opens with sweet, refined aromatics that lead to succulent red cherries, flowers, spices, mint and hard candy, all of which come together beautifully in this radiant, seductive wine. The 2009 is a touch silkier and more polished than the 2008 tasted alongside it, but both are beautiful. A long, creamy finish adds to an impression of amplitude on the palate. The 2009 should drink well for another decade, perhaps more. A small percentage of Canaiolo (5%) is added to the Sangiovese. The wine is fermented in steel and aged in neutral French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Castellare is one of those properties that never seems to get the attention it deserves, despite boasting a track record of superb quality that goes back several decades. That works to the consumer’s advantage, as prices have remained quite reasonable, especially for the flagship I Sodi di San Niccolo. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

此酒色澤呈寶石紅，充滿紫羅蘭的芳香,鳶尾和香草的味道,果味十分濃郁；圓潤的口感帶有一絲杏仁味。酒體非常豐富,入口猶如天鵝絨般,回味綿長。

A distinctive red, sporting aromas of raspberry, graphite and iron. Cherry and eucalyptus flavors emerge on the palate. This is elegant, tightening up in the finish. Drink now through 2014. 8,000 cases made. -BS