Powerful and voluptuous, the 2009 Girolamo is a landmark Merlot with quintessentially Tuscan characteristics of Mediterranean herb, wet terracotta and bright berry. The wine offers excellent fruit quality with optimal ripeness and compelling extraction. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. In my estimation, Marco Bacci’s Castello di Bossi delivers one of the absolute best interpretations of Chianti Classico from the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone. Temperatures are a few degrees warmer here on average and soils are slightly richer and redder. These conditions favor dark and powerful wines. The challenge is maintaining balance and freshness – things regularly achieved in Marco Bacci’s wines. Importer: Winebow Inc.; www.winebow.com