by Rob Bralow, Wine Post Editor
The name Fescobaldi is one that is well known around the world of wine. According to their website, Marchesi de Frescobaldi has been making wine for the last 700 years. Napa has a little ways to go...
The wine I received as a sample was the 2006 Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina. That is quite a mouth full. And so is the wine! Unquestionably an old world style, with lots of damp earth, blackberry, and cinnamon. The taste is a good interplay between fruit and structure, with dark fruits and intricate spices that combine beautifully.
This is an easy wine to enjoy for $20, and well worth the price. It is no surprise to me that the bigger brother of this wine, the 2004 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino was 15th on Wine Spectator's top 100 list. Even if these lists are arbitrary, I would be more likely to pay the money for the more expensive wine, now that I know one of the entry level wines is so good.
