Castillo di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva Cavaliere d'Oro 2018 (SKU 25163, WS93 pts., $22.99 tax included)
I went by the LDB store on 39th and Cambie and saw a Flash Sale (August 3 to 6, 2023). The government liquor stores seemed to get into these promotional events like the other online retailers. I saw this wine on sale for $10 off (that was a 33% discount). When I checked the Wine Spectator rating, I could not believe my eyes. So I quickly grabbed one and opened it at dinner to pair with some Chinese barbeque pork. The nose was full of berries and I did not even bother to decant. The palate was also filled with berries and cherries along with an earthy undertone. The body was full and the finish was long. Wine Spectator indicated that the wine was best from 2023 to 2032, a long drinking window. The blend was Sangiovese and Merlot but it did not taste like the regular Chianti.
Chianti Classico is sub-region in Chianti and Riserva means the wine was aged for at least 24 months with at least 3 months in the bottle. The rest of the name translates into Golden Knight. This wine is a good candidate for the Wine Spectator Top 100 for this year. With the Flash Sale happening only from August 3 to 6, 2023, I suggest getting a bottle to taste as soon as possible and go back and grab half a dozen bottles if it is to your taste.
