Chianti Classico Riserva revisited

2001 Selvapiana Chianti Classico Riserva 83 Points
Gamey, malty, complex dry meat, evolved, dry cherry pip, mentholly freshness, fruit drying out, now until 2013.
Rufina district, single vineyard

2001 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 78+ Points
Game, truffles, with earthy note, touch thin in structure, fruit fading, short uncomplex finish, but the tannin will keep it drinking until 2011
Same winemaker since 1980, 62 ha, in top Panzano district. Single vineyard, 90 % Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2001 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva 83 Points
Riper, denser, with complex notes of cherries, hint of toasty character, seamless integration of tannins, long elegant length, now until 2012
Terroir driven sites, very hilly, chalky clay soil with pebble and gravel, +/- 500 metres above sea level, 3000 vines per ha, planted in 64 and 78.

2001 La Masa Chianti Classico Riserva 85+ Points
Ripe cherry, fruit cake, intense and complex earthy note, white almond oil, light bodied, dry soft tannin, now until 2017
Modern style with 10% merlot, 18 month French barrique, 30 new, TA 4.8

2000 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 88+ Points
Riper denser, hints of eucalyptus, intermingle with sweet fruited earthy character, seamless integration of oak, fruity, fresh acidity, gentle, but complex structure, now until 2017, 90 % Sangiovese, 10% Camailoa

1999 La Masa Chianti Classico Riserva 86+ Points
Restrained, sweet maraschino, cherry with complex minty character, very pure ripe red fruit, delicate Old Chianti style, drier than nose suggest, has grip and elegance, food style by elegance. Now until 2017

1999 Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva 89 Points
Fantastic clarity and brilliance, very ripe, massively build, sumptuous concentration and delicate extract, ripe structure, with perfect tannic grip, lots of fruit and oak, needs time from 2014 until 2020
11 month oaked, 30% new, 5.8 TA

1998 Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 78+ Points
Gamey, with Brett evidence, evolved, ripe cherries, typical Italian red feel, but no more, now until 2010

1997 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 86 Points
Ripe, round and creamy tannins, elegant mouth feels, subtle fruit, fresh and delicate, need food from now until 2017.
Situated in Greve, started in 1974, 250 ha, biodynamic, been in same family for 26 generations, first vintage in 1385.

On the issue of Residual Sugar in Cape wines
if only South African winemakers can make more red in that style, with less Residual sugar, then the marketers can start talking of listing in fine dining……….. why leave residual sugar?

To compensate for wrong site selection, lazy viticultural work and complacent wine making?

Only time will tell, how wine buyers either are going to support this laxism and let the pandemic grow, or send a strong message, in order for wine makers to understand that if they want their wines to show well with fine food, as they are making fine wine, then the sugar needs to go down, who wants to have a chocolate tart or kola tonic cordial with their beef filet………….