91 points - Wine Spectator
Very ripe black fruit, with notes of fresh licorice, stony minerals and dried herbs. Full-bodied, with fine, well-integrated tannins and a long licorice finish. Best after 2006.
J.S., Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005
A translation of “Nipozzano” is “with no wells, a reflection of the dry conditions at this estate. The Castello di Nipozzano dates back to the year 1000AD, when it was established as a stronghold in the defense of Florence. After suffering damage during World War II, the Frescobaldi’s have partially restored the castle, and it now serves as the center of winemaking for the Nipozzano estate.
A section of the vineyards on the estate, the Montesodi vineyard, is bottled separately. This could be the most powerful Chianti produced…the first time we tasted this, the 1995 vintage from barrel, we could not believe it was Sangiovese. It was so dark in color and so rich in texture, we thought it was Cabernet. The 2003 vintage is 100% Sangiovese, and spent 18 months in 100% new barrels.
