The 2006 Chianti Classico Casanova Il Puro is a single-vineyard wine from the Casanova vineyard. I don’t think Volpaia has really tuned this wine in just yet. The Puro is dominated by wild, gamey notes and excessive toast from the 100% new French oak barrels, both of which detract considerably from the impressively, rich fruit. The Puro remains a work in progress. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
Volpaia is one of those estates that can only exist in Tuscany. This medieval hamlet is worth a visit from a cultural and historical perspective alone. The wines can be excellent but are also inconsistent. In recent years, the Stianti family has expanded their production with holdings in Maremma. Those wines are still clearly works in progress. Call me a purist, but I would rather see them focus on making the wines from Volpaia great first. The potential is clearly there, it just needs to be realized.
Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661