2010 Chianti Classico Rancia

Bright, fully saturated red. Knockout nose combines raspberry, minerals, sweet spices and violet; the most ethereal nose of any Rancia since the 2006 vintage. Juicy, pure and precise if youthfully tight, offering lovely inner-mouth energy and perfume to the complex flavors of red berries enlivened by orange peel, sweet spices and flowers. Finishes very long and brisk, with juicy acidity that leaves the taste buds vibrating. An absolute beauty, and much less marked by the tobacco, tar and inky notes that have characterized some recent Rancia vintages. For example, even though 2009 and 2010 are both potentially outstanding vintages for Chianti Classico, there is simply no comparison between this wine and the Rancia 2009. (ID)

Mid ruby with orange tinges. Already a little evolved but with aeration becomes more complex. Compact and with a note of graphite. Great tension between acidity, fruit and fine persistent tannins. Wonderful. Ageworthy. (WS)

The 2010 Chianti Classico Reserva Rancia is chiseled and focused. It offers a full spectrum of Sangiovese characteristics with balsamic herb and medicinal tones followed by crushed stone and delicate clove or nutmeg. Rancia is equally impressive in the mouth with firm structure and enduring fruit flavors. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. This is one of the nicest collections of new releases by Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s Felsina. At the edge of the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi denominations, the estate counts 475 hectares, of which 61 are planted with vineyard. Importers: Polaner Selections; www.polanerselections.com; Wine Warehouse; www.winewarehouse.com