Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Grand Selezione 2017

Ruby red with garnet hues. The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. Intense aromas of violet, blackberry, cherry, and ripe plum with intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee. 14.5% ABV.

Ruffino only produces this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione in outstanding vintages. When they do make Riserva Ducale Oro, they start by harvesting the grapes by hand, mostly from their Gretole estate in the Chianti Classico appellation. The vineyard lots are vinified individually to preserve their specificity to the land. They age the wine in oak, stainless steel and concrete vats for 36 months, twelve months longer than required by Italian law. The wine then spends additional months in bottle before release. This is bright, featuring iron, loamy earth and sweet spice notes flanking the core of berry fruit. Shows tension and fine length, with all the components in the right place. 91 Points Wine Spectator, 90 Points James Suckling.