Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2009

The 2009 Chianti Classico shows excellent weight and depth to match its expressive dark red fruit. This is an especially open vintage for the Chianti Classico. The 2009 is probably not destined for a super long life, but will drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. Hints of earthiness and tar add to an impression of gravitas in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011–2021.

There’s an attractive, earthy bent to this cherry- and wild herb-flavored red. Broad and rangy, with firm, mouthcoating tannins and a lingering tobacco aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2022.

A well of cherry and licorice notes draws you in, with meat, cherry, currant and spice flavors backed by beefy tannins. This is on the lean, taut side, but vibrant, pure and full of personality. Think steak. To be released late 2012. Best from 2014 through 2025.

The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia more than holds its own in this complete vertical. It shows elements of both a cold year in its mid-weight structure and a warmer vintage in its radiant fruit, a combination that represents an attractive stylistic middle ground. I very much like the sense of energy and intensity here. Bright acidity and youthful tannins frame the supple fruit. It will be interesting to see whether the 2009 develops along the lines of the cooler vintage Rancias, or whether the juiciness of the fruit will ultimately prevail in the wine’s balance. Either way, the 2009 is yet another terrific Rancia from Felsina. Anticipated maturity: 2019–2039.

Dark ruby-red. Concentrated aromas of red berries, earth, aromatic herbs and flint. Then rich, suave and full in the mouth, with thick flavors of red and dark fruits, loam and rosemary. The long finish features peppery tannins. This is very impressive but I find it a bit chunkier than most recent versions of Rancia, with less perfume than this high-quality sangiovese usually delivers.

In a darker, balsamic vein, this red evokes tar, black cherry, underbrush and tobacco flavors. Theyre all held together by the dense, fine tannins. Oak spice emerges on the taut finish. Best from 2014 through 2025. 24,166 cases made. -BS The 2009 Chianti Classico shows excellent weight and depth to match its expressive dark red fruit. This is an especially open vintage for the Chianti Classico. The 2009 is probably not destined for a super long life, but will drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. Hints of earthiness and tar add to an impression of gravitas in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.