Clear garnet, ambering through-and through.  Big BIG funk on pouring gently becomes green-briar before going the direction of tar, oak and fruit.  Funk is re-awakened with every swirl before settling down again into its rather piquant blend of vegetal and fruit.  I have never had luck with super-market Chiantis, and this one does nothing to improve that streak.  It was never a decent Chianti to begin with so don’t even bother *Classico-ing* it or *Reserva-ing* it.  Italian wines–especially Chiantis and IGTs–should ALWAYS be sourced from a wine-shop or specialty grocery.  In the mouth, fruit fading horribly.  An uninviting concoction of oak and acid with traces of dusty-rose floral, burnt rubber and brown-apple fruit.  Incredibly youthful tannin.  This thing’s toast.  Probably never had it.   ◊
2010 Ruffino Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva  13-5