Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Banfi Chianti Classico Reserve 2005

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The best wines always remain, while others are always changed out in order to keep the list fresh. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds. So, to satisfy our thirst for a nice red wine to pair with my Chicken Parmesan, Shirley's Cavatelli Aleta (a cream sauce with Asiago cheese, prosciutto, baby peas, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers) and my daughter Pam's Fettucini with Joey's fabulous marinara sauce, we chose a Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005. I have to give credit to Shirley for choosing the wine. As usual, she always gets it right.

Winemaker's notes:

Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon

Chianti may well be the single best-known wine in the world - historically celebrated, universally revered and enjoyed over centuries. Produced from select grapes grown in the "Classico" region of Chianti between Siena and Florence, this aristocratic Tuscan wine has reached new heights in Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva. After aging two years in Slavonian oak casks, this elegant, well-balanced wine has flavors of vanilla, cocoa and spice.

An honored red wine, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva is a fine gourmet accompaniment to red roasts, pastas and cheese.

Our notes: (have to listen to the ladies)

Nice and light aromas of plum and leather and some cherry. The mouth filled with the dark fruits, leather and some spice and with what I thought may be a little vanilla. Well balanced, soft tannins and some acidity with a velvety long dry finish made this a perfect accompaniment with just about any meal.

Shirley and I have been buying Banfi wines for over 20 years and they never disappoint. The Chianti Classico Reserve has always been one of our favorites and the 2005 is one of their best. Best of all, it can be found for under $20.

Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)