Chianti Classico DOCG Casanuova di Nittardi, Vigna Doghessa, Italy, 750ml, (MW 17)

A little darker and more youthful looking than the Belcanto. Slightly riper and darker-fruited too and it seems to suggest a touch of oak sweetness, though that could be fruit since there is so little new oak and it’s all 500-litre size. Quite powerful and chewy on the palate, the ripeness of the fruit perfectly balanced by the acidity, like biting into a just-ripe cherry even though the fruit flavour is darker here. Pure, more spiced on the palate, the harmony between fruit and fine tannins is just right. Lovely mouth-watering finish and a long future. Deeply satisfying but still full of energy. – 17/20 points, Julia Harding MW