letuffeau.com
(Link)
“A wine that almost belongs in its own category, as it has very little to do with most straight Chianti Classicos. Powerful, classically austere, and so incredibly beautiful ... if I could only have one wine reviewed in this entire article, it might very well be the Castell’in Villa ... The price? Ridiculous for the level of pedigree. What a wine.”
— Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
Castell’in Villa
Castelnuovo Berardenga
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“I recently tried the Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico from 2020. This is the current release. Much like the great bodegas of Rioja that have captured my imagination of late, Castell’in Villa is one of those rare producers where time seems to have stood still.
The 2020 Chianti Classico is a breathtaking wine; far removed from the ‘new’ school of Chianti (think Rocca di Montigrossi, which I enjoy for its freshness) and equally divorced from the now outdated ‘modern’ Chianti producers (like Fontodi - lavish use of small format new oak, blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.); this is a world unto itself. The silken palate alone is almost shocking in sateen delicacy; before one comprehends the complexity of the aromatic nuances.
If my breathless enthusiasm is not mark enough of my recommendation, in plain text:
T H I S W I N E I S M O S T W A R M L Y R E C O M M E N D E D.”
— David
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~ please note : discounts are automatically applied at the digital check-out! ~
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“Under the direction of proprietor [Princess] Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, known to everyone as “La Principessa”, Castell'in Villa remains a bastion of fine, classically made Chianti Classico. Long, relaxed aging in cask means the Chianti Classicos here are typically released later than most, not that it matters much, as these are wines with considerable aging potential. Consulting oenologist Federico Staderini and the estate team presented a captivating set of new and upcoming releases that show all the translucence and finesse that are such signatures of the best wines here. Castell’in Villa is a reference point among reference points.”
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“This is fabulous set of new releases from Castell’in Villa. Winemaker Federico Staderini continues to do a terrific job in exalting the classicism that makes Castell'in Villa such an iconic estate. The 2020 Chianti Classico is one of the most alluring, flat-out delicious young wines I have tasted here in some time.”
— Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
I
The Normale
“an absolute delight”
Castell’in Villa 2020 Chianti Classico
(Shelf Price: $109.00)
Offer: $95.00
100% Sangiovese; 15-20 day maceration; lots fermented separately in stainless steel tank with indigenous yeasts, the ferments are slow and long at ambient, cool temperatures; then aged for four years in a mixture of local Chestnut or Slavonian oak botti.
“A nearly opaque ruby tending garnet towards the rim, the 2020 Chianti Classico from the arch-traditional estate of Castell’in Villa is reticent in the glass. The aromatic profile is intriguingly complex, requiring a degree of concentration to parse. Herbal and mineral aromas of graphite, cedar, aged Yunnan tea, and fermented tobacco emerge above more earthen notes of wet rock, spices and bay, and dried orange peel. Only very gradually do elements of both fresh and dried small cherries appear, trimmed in further mineral nuances that add a slight ferruginous quality. Transfixing. The palate is utterly silken on entry, underpinned by a fine line of acidity that broadens to wave, enjoined at its crest by chalky phenolics and ironstone minerality. This quickly refines itself and tapers off to a long, nuanced finish that is at once both brilliantly precise and elusively ethereal. A complex polyphony of flavours: fresh red cherry, dried cranberry and goji berry, salted watermelon, dried blood
orange peel; then, deeper pitched, some plum and Nicaraguan Claro cigar wrapper, further iron-rich mineral nuances, and cured meat; then making up the bass, dark cherry, spices such as cardamom and cassia, and earthen nuances to the taste that are difficult to describe but include a mix of black and fermented teas, and fresh, dark herbal tones. A superb vinous achievement. A wine requiring great thought. Outstanding.”
— David
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“The 2020 Chianti Classico is a gorgeous wine from Castell'in Villa. Soft contours are the first sign of a rare young Chianti Classico from this estate that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dark wild cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco open first. the 2020 offers gorgeous dark Sangiovese fruit along with all the structure that is so typical of the wines here. Plum, graphite, leather, incense and dried herbs shape the striking finish. What an absolute delight!”
93pts — Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
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“There is incredible subtle complexity in this Chianti Classico. The nose shows licorice, bergamot, potpourri, violets and red cherries. The palate is graceful, with vibrant blood orange flavors, refreshing acidity and velvety, fine-grained tannins.”
96pts — James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Order here
(Link)
II
The Riserva
“austerely captivating”
Castell'in Villa 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva
limited
(Shelf Price: $254.00)
Offer: $224.00
from select parcels of mature, 30+y/o vines; 30 day maceration followed by ambient ferment with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tank; approx. 5 years in Slavonian botti and large French barrels.
“The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a bomb. Castell'in Villa fans will find a heady, explosive Riserva that hits all the right notes. Dark cherry, plum, new leather, cedar and grilled herbs give this broad-shouldered Riserva tons of intensity. The 2019 can be approached now, but it will be even better in a few years' time. Superb.”
95pts — Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
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“Castell’in Villa’s Riserva is crafted from the estate’s higher altitude plots at over 300m. After forgoing this bottling in 2018, proprietress Coralia Pignatelli follows up the striking 2017 release with this austerely captivating 2019. It is classically savoury with discreet scents of sundried tomato, chestnut, roasted coffee and rust. After much aeration, sweeter nuances of macerated cherry, thyme and almond emerge. The palate is unquestionably strict and linear: stony tannins and brisk acidity make for a steely backbone. While far from rich or plush, it does have meat on its bones, and very toned muscles. It hints at blood and liquorice throughout, with a salty mineral finish.”
97pts — Michaela Morris, Decanter Magazine
Order here
(Link)
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Please join us for a drink soon. Reservations preferred.
Bookings and after-6.00pm access: (03) 9419 3867
Tue. 11.00 am–6.00 pm
Wed.–Sat. 11.00 am–11.00 pm
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If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.