I had the opportunity last week to sit down with John Matta, winemaker and proprietor of Castello Vicchiomaggio. The man is a real gentleman and one of the best winemakers in Italy. His wines are also some of the best performers in their respective price categories and show a real sense of place.

The 2009 San Jacopo da Vicchiomaggio is aged in large format, traditional-sized oak barrels and is composed of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Colorino. It is named after an antique farmhouse located on the wine estate.

On the nose I get some really nice notes of black cherry, ripe black raspberry, mineral, soil, cocoa powder, and just a touch of black pepper. The wine is still very young and seems to be a touch closed down on the nose still. Give this wine a few more years in bottle and I think it could drastically improve it's aromatics.

On the palate the wine is very dry and made in the "old-style" Chianti fashion. That is to say that it's slightly rustic in nature and doesn't try to be California Cabernet.......I get flavors of black cherry, leather, cocoa, cedar, and cranberry. This finish is dry and lingers quite nicely. The perfect pairing for meaty red-sauced pasta dishes. 88+ points


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