Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2012 Wine Review

Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2012

Tuscany D.O.C.G, Italy

Community Score:89/100

Community Reviews: 15

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Price: $24.95

Drink: 2017-2022

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: Castello di Gabbiano

Agent: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Full-bodied with racy acidity on the palate that demands tomato sauce with some meat balls please. Firm tannins so this could do well in the cellar for several more years then decant 1-2 hours.

Chianti Classico food pairings: roast beef, cheesy pizza, stuffed roasted turkey, pasta in tomato sauce.

Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine

This Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2012 was reviewed on October 10, 2016 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2011 2009 2009 2007 2014

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174473
$24.95
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25163
$15.52
3,572 bottles

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Reviews and Ratings

Riley rated this wine as 92/100

Jacky Blisson rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

From one of the region's oldest and most respected producers, this 2012 is an excellent example of the vibrancy and aromatic complexity of which Chianti Classico is capable. Medium ruby with tell-tale pale orange rim. This 95% Sangiovese blend is redolent with red cherry, violets, tomato leaf and subtle talcum powder notes. The bracing acidity is perfectly balanced by the smooth, rounded medium body and seamless 14% alcohol. Ripe, dusty tannins frame the medium length finish.

Drinking well now; would improve with 2 - 3 years further cellaring.

Douglas McMillan rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Medium burgundy in colour, with complex aromas of violets, vanilla, ripe strawberry, black cherry, and dried herbs. The mouth feel is velvety with lots of fine tannins. Taste is juicy red berry, primarily dark cherry and raspberry. A great wine with any tomato based dish, or even rare roast beef. This also has some ageing potential.

Sean O'Regan - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby, the nose shows dark cherry, berry, wtih toasty oak spice and dusty earthy notes. Medium bodied, with palate repeating the nose along with savory dried herb. Fine tannins balanced by good acidity and fruit depth. Solid wine for the price point. Steak Florentine or lasagna in meat sauce will work well. Drink now with a short decant or hold over the next 5+ years. Great value wine.
Tasted January 2016

Lynn van der Linde - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Wow! Seductive aromas of black licorice, cedar, and blueberries with a persistent spicy finish. Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, it's a phenomenally food friendly wine - pasta, pizza, charcuterie and cheese boards. Drink now, or lay down for another 5-7 years.
Tasted January 2016.

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Lots of ripe strawberry, raspberry and black cherry on the nose with hints of violet and earthy undertones. The tannins have some grip, giving this Chianti age-worthiness. Bright acidity with flavors of ripe strawberry and black cherry. Try this wine with Eggplant Parmesan. Tasted January 31, 2016.

Jon Steeves - Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This reserva Chianti Classico is ruby red and declared at 14% ABV. Deep and dense aromatics of ripe red fruit, dark cherry, black peppercorn, clove and savoury dried herbs, tobacco leaf. And a hint of spearmint. This is a full-bodied scrumptious Chianti Classico offering lip smacking taste, well-balanced. A wonderful companion with traditional Tuscan spaghetti and meatballs or a Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Great quality and value. Tasted on 3 occasions Jan-Feb 2016 including @VanWineFest Feb 2016 and again at structured tasting with the winemaker. Decant 2h. Enjoy 2016-2024. @jonsteeves rated 90/100

Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Dark ruby in the glass. Layers of dark berry and cherry, tar and leather, smoke and spice wound up with juicy acidity and fine tannins serve up a nicely complex Chianti. Drink with the usual suspects.

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Aromas include cedar, raisin, and cherry. Lots of fruit flavour and spice, along with bright acidity. Perfect for cheese and charcuterie.

Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This Chianti Classico Riserva shows clean pronounced ripe and dried fruit notes. Aromas are inviting and widely complex. Initial notes include dried dates, figs, ripe plum, and cherry; while later notes of baking spice, smoke and cedar add to its well-rounded flavour structure. The palate is medium bodied with high acidity, young grippy tannins and a long 'raisiny' finish. This wine pairs well with roasts and/or braises. Tasted Jan 2016.

Emilie Ryan rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

A good Chianti Classico Riserva…
Presentation: Classic but with a knight in a crest. The dark label gives it stately look.
Appearance: Light ruby
Nose: Leather, wood, roasted vegetables, anise
Taste: Leather, wood, blueberries, earthy, finely ground coffee beans, tannic.
Finish: Leather and wood.
Overall impression: Very interesting. Needs food, though, like a good, hearty lasagna or gnocchi in red sauce
Value: 3.5 out of 5

The twelfth century Castello di Gabbiano is nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The wine is made from the best grapes grown on the estate vineyards. Aromas of tanned leather, dried herbs and dark spice. - Community Wine Reviews

1 Member would buy this wine again

Josh Tetford

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Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2012 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings