2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Rancia

The 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is one of the most surprising wines in this vertical. It boasts gorgeous freshness and overall complexity. The weight and texture of the hot year come through, but miraculously there is no sense of heaviness or over ripeness in the fruit. Layers of flavor build to the round, sensual finish. Among relatively recent vintages, I imagine the 2003 might still be available, as it was a year in which demand was weak. There is little question the wine's best days are somewhere in the future. This is another great showing, and frankly a wine that exceeds expectations considering the year.

Felsina's single-vineyard 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia presents more overt toasted oak notes along with darker, riper fruit in a structured expression of Chianti Classico. With some time in the glass complex notes of smoke, tobacco, licorice, mint and black cherries emerge, completing this gorgeous and intensely satisfying wine. In two separate tastings I found the Rancia more complex than the Fontalloro, most likely owing to the poorer soils of the Rancia vineyard.