Conti Capponi, Villa Calcinaia, Vigna Bastignano 2019 – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The wine has a ruby color of medium intensity. The nose is finely spiced, offering ripe fruit and gourmandise. It expresses notes of red cherry jam, fresh Morello cherry, wild strawberry, wild blackberry, crushed cassis (with a touch of crème de cassis), associated with fresh aromas of peppermint (or even menthol), iris and rose, as well as touches of licorice (with a hint of star anise), fresh vanilla, cinnamon stick, clove, a delicate herbaceous side (fresh basil, a smoky touch of oregano), a hint of black tapenade and roasting (ground coffee, toast). The attack on the palate is firm, expressing the dryness of the tannins. In the mid-palate and finish, the juiciness of the fruit and lively acidity help to reduce the astringency of the tannins. There’s a certain roundness and concentration, with notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry coulis, crushed cassis, Morello cherry, bigarreau cherry, wild black plum, as well as the herbaceous and spicy notes of peppermint, fresh basil, licorice, fresh vanilla (in the background), and touches of black tapenade, iris and rose. The acidity is very lively, giving the wine great energy. The tannic structure is tight, even astringent on the finish (the wine needs time to round out).