WTN: Tuscany in Manhattan

I don’t buy or drink a lot of Tuscan wine. But my good friend is a fan, and he wanted to open some bottles last night.

First was 2015 Sassicaia. This had been opened for a while prior to my arrival, and was probably all the better for it. I got very nice fleshy elegant fruit, which I enjoyed, but still with some angles to it that could stand to resolve. Apparently the initial glasses were even tougher on the angles.

So we went older with 2010 Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino. This was resolved and silky but still with vibrant fruit. Perfect for our tastes.

Still thirsty, and with food on the table, we opened 2010 Fontodi Chianti Classico. Bigger bramblier fruit than the 2010 PdS, but nicely tamed by age, with a fine mineral frame. This was fun drinking.

[David M. Bueker]

That’s a nice trio of wines. I used to drink a lot of the Fontodi, but it became harder to, and the price got to double my other favorite, Felsina.

I used to drink a lot of the Fontodi, but it became harder to, and the price got to double my other favorite, Felsina.

Certainly makes sense. I don't track these wines too closely. I went to a big Fontodi tasting back in 2004 and have had very little since then!

I've been a big fan of Sassicaia for many years (still hold 1982 through 1996) and it sounds like the style hasn't changed much - wines that need around 15 years of age but can be opened earlier if given enough air afterward. Sounds like what you detected underneath was entirely consistent with that. Given that it sells for c. $300 Can. here, I shall not be adding any newer vintages!

Thank you for the Brunello note - I checked and I have several 2010s including a full case of the Agostina Pieri I haven't started on - your note gives me the incentive to pop some corks.

Thank you for the Brunello note - I checked and I have several 2010s including a full case of the Agostina Pieri I haven't started on - your note gives me the incentive to pop some corks.

Yes, I am hardly an expert but do hear from others than the 2010 vintage is showing nicely for Brunello. (With obvious caveats for particular producers) And that was certainly the evidence in my glass last night.

Like David, buy more Felsina than Fontodi due to pricing, but like the wines. Nice notes.