Rank #1 - Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2011Rank #65 - Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2010
Notes from the Winemaker:It appears a deep, purple-edged ruby red, of impressive brilliance. Solid fruit notes of wild blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and dark cherry emerge initially on the nose, gradually yielding to more pungent impressions of sage, rosemary, vanilla, and cinnamon. That spiciness segues onto the palate, and then into a finish that ends with a flourish of balsam, black pepper, and cocoa powder. The mid-palate shows alcoholic warmth and roundedness, while the tannins and acidity are noticeable, adding to the wine’s overall harmony.
Technical Information
Variety: Sangiovese 90%, and complementary grapes (Malvasia nera, Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Ratings & Reviews
Rank #1 Top 100 Wines of
2011 & 93 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:"From Frescobaldi’s gorgeous Nipozzano estate, this Riserva Sangiovese (with small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet and Merlot for extra density and intensity) opens with impressive generosity and personality. It offers lingering flavors of cherry, chocolate and dark spice." — M.L. (4/1/2011)
Rank #65 Top 100 Wines of
2010, 91 Points & "Smart Buy" - Wine Spectator Magazine:"A burly Rufina, offering dried dark fruits and chewy tannins, with an aftertaste of dark chocolate and mineral. Full and satisfying, with fresh acidity on the back palate. A go-to Chianti. Drink now. 121,000 cases made." –JS (Oct 31, 2010)
91 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:"(90% sangiovese, the rest colorino, malvasia nera, cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Deep violet-ruby. Fresh, fruity aromas of red cherry, blueberry and blackberry, with hints of underbrush and minerals; much less spicy, tarry and dark than some other recent vintages of this wine. Then bright and fresh in the mouth, with red cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes smoothly tannic, polite and persistent. One of the better young Nipozzano vintages I recall: this really does remind you of the higher-altitude, cooler Rufina zone. 91 points" - Ian D'Agata (Jul/Aug '10)
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"The 2007 Chianti Rufina Riserva shows the open, opulent personality that makes this vintage so alluring. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of red fruits, flowers and spices, all of which come together with unsual grace. Though medium in body, there is wonderful generosity to the fruit, not to mention fabulous overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015." - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2010)
