2001 Castello della Paneretta Terrine

The 2001 Terrine is an unusual wine, 50% Sangiovese and 50% Canaiolo – the estate, which has always replanted its vineyards with cuttings from its own vines instead of relying on vine nurseries, is fortunate in having excellent Canaiolo, the principal grape in Chianti Classico up until a century ago. Rich and spicy in aroma with much tar and chocolate to accompany the penetrating notes of red berry fruit, the wine is unusually ample and firm for a wine with this amount of Canaiolo, mouth-filling and textured and with light notes of leather along with its fruit. Drink: 2006-2016. After a generally strong series of wines in the 1990s, Castello della Paneretta hit a rough patch in 1999 and 2000 with wines which were excessively rustic and funky. Happily, things seem back on track with the 2001 wines, a welcome notice, as the vineyards, located between Isole e Olena and Monsanto, are some of the finest in the entire appellation. Importer: Admiralty Beverage Co., Portland, OR; tel. (503) 289-9600