The 2003 Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico is the product of another challenging year. Sweet spices, incense, tobacco, cedar and candied orange peel are some of the notes that emerge from this rich, dark Vin Santo. There is plenty of richness, but not a lot of aromatic complexity, which leaves the wine a bit flat and heavy. Ultimately it's hard to get past the qualities of a scorching hot year that doesn't seem particularly ideal for wines made from dried grapes. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. Giovanni Manetti describes his 2008s as higher in acidity and lower in alcohol than his 2007s. The spring and early summer were quite damp, which caused quite a bit of shatter and therefore lowered yields considerably. The summer was on the cool side and the harvest began in late September. The 2008s are decidedly mid-weight wines from Fontodi, yet the acidities are excellent and the wines are texturally very fine. I would not at all be surprised to see some of these wines show even better in another 5-10 years. Such is the nature of Sangiovese. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Though sweet, this is light in weight and vibrant, courtesy of its vivid acidity. This allows the roasted nut, burnt caramel and apricot flavors to shine, with a pleasant earthiness following on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 425 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Select to Add