TN: 2004 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano

2004 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano: 2/12/2008 (tasted for Wine Blogging Wednesday: Popped and poured. The wine has an ink-deep purple color. The nose was completely closed during the first hour…initial flavors were some sour cherry, a lot of wet forest, not much fruit showing on the palate.

Decanted. After 2+ hours of sitting, the wine completely changed. Now on the nose I get cola, cherry, a cedar component and possibly a smoky vanilla component. The palate has opened up quite a bit- still a good mineral/earthiness to the wine, but now the cherry really comes through, as does a hint of raspberry and burnt wood near the finish. The tannins are noticeable, but not too tough, and the finish lasts a while. Good wine overall - good balance. Decant for a long time or sit on this for a few more years. Good value for the price. My rating: 89 pts, GV (good value)