All rights reserved. The Chianti, somewhat to my surprise, proved bland and boring, one of the rare disappointments I've found in the generally outstanding 1997 vintage. Clear, dark ruby, with a ripe red-fruit aroma dominated by the strong vanilla scent of new oak.
Sweet oak takes the lead on the palate, too, surrounding good, fresh black-cherry fruit.
The oak flavors aren't unpleasant, but don't diminish over time, leaving the final score at oak 1, fruit 0. Clear ruby color, with a light, perfumed black-cherry scent. Soft and simple on the palate, surprisingly one-dimensional by the standards of '97 Chiantis, particularly at this price level. Odd, and quite disappointing. E-mail me your tasting notes , and I'll consider adding them to this page.