2016 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva, Tuscany

The 2016 Chianti Rúfina Riserva Nipozzano Vecchie Viti opens to darkly saturated fruit, followed by aromas of dried cherry, wild berry, tar and a touch of cedar wood. You feel the natural richness and concentration that is obtained with fruit from old vines, or vecchie viti. The wine's pretty richness opens it up to a pairing with steak or succulent lamb roast. The acidity, the tannic firmness and the chiseled fruit serve to cut through those foods. This is a beautiful vintage of this popular Tuscan red.

94+ points Monica Larner robertparker.com Oct 2020 Drink 2020-2032

3 glasses from Gambero Rosso

The 2016 season at Castello Nipozzano can be considered asplendid vintage. Spring arrived slightly late and was cool, marked by abundant precipitation, especially during the flowering period. Conversely the summer was mild, with very little rainfall from the end of June until harvest. August in particular enjoyed high temperatures and was sunny on the whole.

ength of maturation 24 months in oak and 3 months in the bottle

Vecchie Viti 2016 is the perfect expression of a great vintage. It is characterised by an intense and brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, floral and fruity notes are perfectly integrated with spiciness. Dog-rose and violet stand out above all, and are balanced with hints of small red berries. A persistent balsamic quality and an elegant toasting complete the olfactory notes.On the palate, it has asilky, fine tannic texture. The acidic component is perfectly balanced with the alcohol component. The finish is long and persistent.