92 Ian Dagata - Vinous Media

"Good full red. Lively red berry aromas are complemented by sexy floral and sweet spice qualities, along with gentle notes of minerals and white pepper. Suave, sweet and fine-grained on entry, with captivating suggestions of red cherry, dried flowers and fresh herbs. Broad and lush yet somehow airy in the middle, then quite long and pure on the back end, with a broad dusting of silky tannins and captivating spicy lift. Superb wine." 92 Points - Ian Dagata - International Wine Cellar

VINEYARDS:

"The main estate of Riecine is located in the town of Gaiole in Chianti, which is in the Chianti Classico DOCG. The main property consists of close to 30 hectares (about 75 acres) of vineyard, olive groves, woodlands, and the winemaking facility. This is where the original vineyard that has been producing Riecine grapes for more than thirty years is located. We also have several other vineyards in nearby locations within the Chianti Classico DOCG. In an exciting move for Riecine, in 1998, we acquired and planted a substantial new vineyard in Montecucco, near Montalcino. All Riecine vineyards have perfect southern exposures." -Winemaker

ESTATE:
"Located in the heart of Tuscany, in the small community of Gaiole in Chianti, Riecine takes its place among the finest vineyards in all of Italy and continues to progress as a classic winery. Gary J. Baumann, an American who resides in Milan, is the proprietor of Riecine, which he acquired in 1996 from its original founder, John Dunkley."

"Church archives from 1112 A.D. provide the earliest known record of the wine farm known as Riecine. Originally owned by a nearby monastery until the 20th century, Riecine is close to excavations of an Etruscan township. It is possible that wine has been produced at Riecine for thousands of years."

"The founder of Riecine, John Dunkley, an Englishman who became one of the most admired producers of Chianti Classico, and his Italian wife, Palmina, acquired the original 1.5 hectares of land in 1971 from the nearby Badia a Coltibuono. They restored the old stone villa on the land and began reviving and replanting vines. John's first vintage of Chianti Classico, 1973, was released in 1975 to a flourish of praise. He later recalled, "Then it was easy to be among the best producers, but Chianti Classico has moved up the ladder. Today the competition is much tougher."

"John brought a young winemaker, Sean O'Callaghan, into Riecine in 1992, to take on responsibility for the winemaking process. Sean, John and Palmina worked together to continue the Riecine tradition of producing top-quality Chianti Classico and Sangiovese-based wines. Although John and Palmina are now deceased, their inspiration exists today at Riecine. John used to like to sit under the pergola in front of Riecine in the evening and sip a glass of Chianti Classico, while admiring the twilight glow on slopes of olive trees and vineyards. "You know, after all this time here," he said with an air of gratitude, "I still get the same thrill every time I look at the view." -Winery

This wine was also scored 87 Points by the Wine Spectator.