Castello Banfi, Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2008

 In May, my WRO colleague Michael Apstein wrote about Banfi Centine and Brunello di Montalcino.  The $12 Centine won the Best Red award at the recent Critics Challenge, not so surprising to those of us who have admired Banfi red wines for years.  The same purity of fruit and seamless construction, not to mention value, is evident in Banfi’s 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, a subtle blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Aged for 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels and an additional 6 months of bottle aging, it has a dense ruby color, deep raspberry aroma with hints of smoky oak.  The flavors are dense and full, with rich berry and mocha notes, crisp acidity, 13% alcohol, firm tannins and subtle oak notes.  This stylish Chianti Classico is an excellent value.