2015 Casaloste Chianti Classico

The 2015 Chianti Classico is a bold, juicy wine. Black cherry, lavender and expressive spice provide much of its exotic, alluring personality. Lush and racy, but with vibrant fruit and tons of Sangiovese structure, the 2015 is a winner. (AG)

I can't tell you how many people walk into the store, ask for a GREAT red wine and then scrunch their face up when I recommend Chianti. I get it. Sure there's crap Chianti, but there's crap being made nearly everywhere. I blame restaurants for relying on a classic name and deferring the blame. Nonetheless, for those in the know Chianti remains one of the most exceptional overall regions with a few absolute gems scattered throughout. This 2015 Casaloste is exactly that. This isn't thin acidity basket wine, this is bold rich dark fruited and structured. What might be an overly harsh tannin in a lesser vintage is the perfect counterpoint to the dense black and purple fruit. That means we've got something that's going to just keep getting better in the cellar. It doesn't have the international appeal that some of the ultra ripe style Classicos do, but for any lover of bold structured wines (I'm looking at you Napa lovers) it will be difficult to replicate this experience for less. And while the wine definitely appeals to the broader market, it still has this wonderful rusticity -a hint of gritty texture and subtle savory high note hat will satisfy even the most curmudgeonly connoisseur.