93+ 2004 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Riserva 8/15/09 ($32)
14% alc
Color: Deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated pistachio and black cherry, propelled by outstanding acidity, tamed by just the right amount of cedary oak. Excellent, but somewhat restrained at present. (3.0) Body: Impressive concentration of fruit, acidity and terroir with excellent tannins. Coats the mouth beautifully. Light heavyweight. (4.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with a solid mid-palate. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but more open with fierce acidity, dusty cherry and cedar lingering. (3.5)
Overall: Very concentrated Sangiovese with perfect balance and classic, ageworthy structure. Rich with dusty cherry, outstanding acidity and excellent, smooth tannins. A solid excellent even now if decanted for an hour, but should reach even greater heights in the next 4-8 years. A great value too. (16.5)Note: Tasted again 2 years later. Very drinkable, but could still improve in the next 2-4 years. Score: 93.
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