2020 Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo

I Sodi di San Niccolò is the flagship of the Chianti Classico house Castellare di Castellina (known for its labels with drawings of birds). This wine was first made in 1977 and is one of the few Super Tuscans made with only native grape varieties: 85% Sangioveto (local clone of Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera. The wine was the very first Italian wine to be included in Wine Spectator's top 100 in 1988. The purity of this wine from the beautiful 2019 is convincing. Beautiful dark ruby red with notes of blood orange, sweet herbs, leather and cedar wood remain and everything is beautifully framed with good acidity, good fruit. The 2020 is still a baby, so definitely decant in its early years and can easily be kept in the cellar until 2045.

A selection of the reviews:

"This is a long-celebrated blend of 85% Sangioveto (another name for Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera from one of the headline estates of Castellina in Chianti. The Castellare di Castellina 2019 I Sodi di S. Niccolò (with 55,000 bottles released) opens to soft texture and medium weight with dark aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. Those aromas show an earthy or savory side that comes through to the palate. The wine closes with sweet tannins, and this vintage boasts a solid build overall." -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2019 I Sodi di San Niccolò is another fabulous wine from Castellare. At this stage, the 2019 is an infant. The purity of the fruit is compelling. Despite its considerable intensity, the 2019 appears to have less forbidding tannins than in many years, which should allow it to drink well with minimal cellaring. Blood orange, sweet spice, leather and cedar linger on the stylish finish." - Vinous

"An intense, vibrant red marked by haunting scents of violet, black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary, eucalyptus and iron. Supple and open, yet with solid structure underneath. This wine's precision balance renders it approachable now, yet this will be better in two to three years. Spicy aftertaste. Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2026 through 2047." -Wine Spectator

"Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense - all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavors forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focused towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai - Decanter