- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
TASTING NOTES
This 2017 Castello di Gabbiano Cavaliere d’Oro Riserva is a tour de force of viticultural precision, a wine that leaps from the glass with an aromatic intensity that is nothing short of profound. Emerging from a growing season defined by warmth and low yields, this Chianti Classico Riserva possesses a structural integrity and a depth of fruit that suggests a long, glorious life ahead. It is, quite simply, a benchmark for the region, offering a masterclass in how Sangiovese can balance sheer power with an almost ethereal elegance.
On the nose, the wine presents a complex, multi-layered bouquet of macerated black cherries, dried raspberries, and sandalwood, all framed by sophisticated notes of tobacco leaf, espresso bean, and a hint of crushed violets. There is a sense of place here—a distinct mineral streak reminiscent of dusty Tuscan hillsides and sun-baked earth. The palate is equally impressive, characterized by a dense, full-bodied core of dark fruit. The tannins are remarkably fine-grained and polished, providing a velvety texture that coats the mouth without ever feeling heavy or over-extracted. This is a wine of immense concentration, yet it retains a vibrant acidity that keeps the flavors lively and focused through a finish that lasts for nearly a minute.
The 2017 vintage in Tuscany was one of resilience, and Gabbiano has captured that spirit perfectly. The oak integration is seamless, adding nuances of toasted spice and vanilla without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. This Riserva is a sophisticated choice for any serious collector or enthusiast looking for an authentic expression of the Gallo Nero. It is a stunning achievement that rivals many of the top-tier "Gran Selezione" bottlings at a significantly more attractive price point.
For those who appreciate the intersection of tradition and modernity, this bottle delivers in spades. It pairs magnificently with hearty Italian fare—think wild boar ragu or a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina—but it also possesses the complexity to be savored on its own as a meditative pour. Drink this monumental red now after a vigorous decanting, or cellar it with confidence for another decade or more. It is a brilliant, high-octane Chianti Classico that demands a place in any well-curated cellar. Whether you are an investor in fine liquid assets or a lover of classic European reds, the Cavaliere d’Oro Riserva is a mandatory acquisition. This is a formidable, world-class effort that stands as a testament to the enduring greatness of the Gabbiano estate.
Alcohol: 14%
On the nose, the wine presents a complex, multi-layered bouquet of macerated black cherries, dried raspberries, and sandalwood, all framed by sophisticated notes of tobacco leaf, espresso bean, and a hint of crushed violets. There is a sense of place here—a distinct mineral streak reminiscent of dusty Tuscan hillsides and sun-baked earth. The palate is equally impressive, characterized by a dense, full-bodied core of dark fruit. The tannins are remarkably fine-grained and polished, providing a velvety texture that coats the mouth without ever feeling heavy or over-extracted. This is a wine of immense concentration, yet it retains a vibrant acidity that keeps the flavors lively and focused through a finish that lasts for nearly a minute.
The 2017 vintage in Tuscany was one of resilience, and Gabbiano has captured that spirit perfectly. The oak integration is seamless, adding nuances of toasted spice and vanilla without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. This Riserva is a sophisticated choice for any serious collector or enthusiast looking for an authentic expression of the Gallo Nero. It is a stunning achievement that rivals many of the top-tier "Gran Selezione" bottlings at a significantly more attractive price point.
For those who appreciate the intersection of tradition and modernity, this bottle delivers in spades. It pairs magnificently with hearty Italian fare—think wild boar ragu or a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina—but it also possesses the complexity to be savored on its own as a meditative pour. Drink this monumental red now after a vigorous decanting, or cellar it with confidence for another decade or more. It is a brilliant, high-octane Chianti Classico that demands a place in any well-curated cellar. Whether you are an investor in fine liquid assets or a lover of classic European reds, the Cavaliere d’Oro Riserva is a mandatory acquisition. This is a formidable, world-class effort that stands as a testament to the enduring greatness of the Gabbiano estate.
Alcohol: 14%
93 POINTS - "This has settled down, despite a swath of dense tannins, delivering cherry, strawberry, earth, eucalyptus and mineral flavors. Well-defined, with a firm, yet long finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2037." - Wine Spectator
93 POINTS - "A ripe and juicy Chianti Classico, yet it stays fresh and vibrant with blackcherry, walnut and sliced-mushroom character. Flavorful and persistent. Drink now or hold." - James Suckling
93 POINTS - "A ripe and juicy Chianti Classico, yet it stays fresh and vibrant with blackcherry, walnut and sliced-mushroom character. Flavorful and persistent. Drink now or hold." - James Suckling
Ruby red in color, plum, red berries, sweet spice, wild mushroom and forest aromas. A ripe and juicy Chianti Classico, it stays fresh and vibrant with black-cherry, walnut and sliced mushroom character. Flavorful and persistent.