2008
Wine Searcher: Italy was good with Tuscany performing well and it was a particularly successful year for Nebbiolo.
Piedmont:
WS: Drink or hold – Warm late season rescued a cooler-than-average vintage; ripe reds show good structure, purity and elegance
JR: A long and cool growing cycle resulted in healthy, thick-skinned Nebbiolo grapes full of extract and high sugar levels, balanced by great acidity.
Tuscany/Chianti:
WS: Drink – Intermittent rain dampened quality, but the best are fresh, elegant and pure
JR: The heterogeneity of finished wines suggests that this is a vintage in which the best terroirs shine. This seems to be true of Chianti Classico too, especially the truly serious Riservas, should prove to have complexity as well staying power.