2020 Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo

I Sodi di San Niccolò is het vlaggenschip van het Chianti Classico-huis Castellare di Castellina (bekend van de etiketten met tekeningen van vogels). Deze wijn werd voor het eerst in 1977 gemaakt en is één van de weinige Super Tuscans die gemaakt wordt met enkel autochtone druivensoorten: 85% Sangioveto (lokale kloon van Sangiovese) en 15% Malvasia Nera. De wijn was de allereerste Italiaanse wijn die in 1988 door Wine Spectator in hun top 100 werd opgenomen. De zuiverheid van deze wijn uit het prachtige 2019 is overtuigend. Prachtig donker robijnrood met tonen van bloedsinaasappel, zoete kruiden, leer en cederhout blijven en alles prachtig omlijst met goede zuurgraad, goed fruit. De 2020 is nog een baby dus in zijn jonge jaren zeker decanteren en kan gerust tot 2045 in de kelder.

Een greep uit de beoordelingen:

"This is a long-celebrated blend of 85% Sangioveto (another name for Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera from one of the headline estates of Castellina in Chianti. The Castellare di Castellina 2019 I Sodi di S. Niccolò (with 55,000 bottles released) opens to soft texture and medium weight with dark aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. Those aromas show an earthy or savory side that comes through to the palate. The wine closes with sweet tannins, and this vintage boasts a solid build overall." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2019 I Sodi di San Niccolò is another fabulous wine from Castellare. At this stage, the 2019 is an infant. The purity of the fruit is compelling. Despite its considerable intensity, the 2019 appears to have less forbidding tannins than in many years, which should allow it to drink well with minimal cellaring. Blood orange, sweet spice, leather and cedar linger on the stylish finish." - Vinous

"An intense, vibrant red marked by haunting scents of violet, black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary, eucalyptus and iron. Supple and open, yet with solid structure underneath. This wine's precision balance renders it approachable now, yet this will be better in two to three years. Spicy aftertaste. Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2026 through 2047." - Wine Spectator

"Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense - all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavours forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focussed towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Acidity is great, it's cool, clean, sleek and packed full of flavour. Almost too much, this is a big wine, so needs time, but has lots of appeal and mouthwatering freshness throughout. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai." - Decanter