Also recommended: 2005 Brolio Chianti Classico (85).
2005 Barone Ricasoli Campo Ceni Toscana Rosso
(sangiovese) Bright ruby. Pure, moderately intense blueberry and blackberry aromas Quite pretty on the palate, with flavors similar to the aromas and a saline quality adding interest. Offers good weight and flesh along with fine balancing acidity. Tannins are creamy on the reasonably persistent finish. This enjoyable wine is made in large quantity.
2004 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda
Medium ruby. Nose begins with smoke, black pepper and quinine, then is nicely sweetened by perfumed, ripe red cherry. Juicy, minerally and bright, with strong acids giving definition to the flavors of redcurrant, red cherry and spicy plum. Finishes elegant and persistent, with a healthy dusting of fine tannins.
2003 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio
Dark ruby. Clean, subdued aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and cola are complicated by a delicate menthol nuance; aromatically compressed but there's no cooked character. The fruit is dense, sweet and ripe, showing flavors of black cherries macerated in alcohol with obvious spearmint and roasted coffee notes. This modern-style wine could use a bit more acid lift, but it's already quite appealing.
2003 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro Toscana Rosso
(a sangiovese/merlot blend) Dark black-ruby. Nose typical of this heat-wave vintage: reticent black plum, dark chocolate and more obvious cola notes. Medium to full in the mouth, with good volume to the sweet, lush flavors of dark cherry and spices. Finishes with broad mouthcoating tannins that show a youthful dry aspect.
