Banfi Chianti Classico 2003
April 27, 2006 – 11:18 am
I bought a bottle of the Banfi Chianti Classico 2003 from Beverages & More! about three weeks ago on sale for $10.99 (regularly it costs $13.99). I opened it up and drank it about a week ago, but I obviously haven’t been diligent enough to post my impression of it until now.
I must say that the only other Chianti I have had is the Ruffino Chianti Classico 2001 Reserva Ducale, and the Ruffino is quite a bit better than the Banfi. I didn’t dislike the Banfi at all. In fact, I really enjoyed it. The Ruffino just set such a high bar for me that it will take some tasting before I get a good feel for what I like best in a Chianti.
The Banfi pours a dark reddish purple with a dark berry and prune nose. As with the other reds I have had recently, it was quite sharp on the first night but opened up very well the second. It started to become somewhat flabby by the third night. The Banfi definitely has character, with a little bit of an acidic bite that was not unpleasant when swallowing.
In terms of the comparison with the Ruffino, it is only fair for me to mention that the Ruffino is (at least) a $20 bottle of wine, while this is a sub-$15 dollar bottle. I’m curious to try more Chiantis and see if it’s the style that draws me in or only a specific bottle here or there that excites me.