The Duke and his Steed- A review of Ruffino Ducale Riserva Chianti and Wild Horse Pinot Noir

Need some help dealing with the hell of taxes? How about some lovely wines to help ease the pain and angst of it all? As luck would have it ICON Estates sent the Brixchicks some wines to try and just in time. They sent us six samples and I chose the Pinot Noir and the Chianti to help assuage my "taxing" anxieties.

Ruffino Ducale 2005 Riserva Chianti
This noble Chianti from the hills of Tuscany is aged for 24 months in oak barrrels(hence the Riserva label.) The oak is very well-integrated and there are just hints on the nose. The nose shows profound dark fruits, especially black cherry and blackberry. I also got some earthy, flint-like notes. Mouthfeel has gripping tannins along with high acidity and it is a perfect food wine. We enjoyed it with cheeses and roasted chicken. Although drinkable now I think this duke will age beautifully.

Wild Horse 2007 Central Coast Pinot NoirThe young and savage horse brings heady aromas of kerosene and asphalt which cover fruity notes of cranberry and strawberry. It is a lovely light garnet. This steed has really gotten around the appellations of the Central Coast and the fruit comes from Paso Robles, Bien Nacido and and various vineyards in San Luis Obispo. This is a well-balanced wine that I would love to eat with some pork with a cranberry-infused sauce.

Together these two have traversed much territory from the appellations of the Central Coast to the fertile hills of Siena and Florence. Thank goodness I can be an armchair traveller/drinker since I cannot afford any kind of trip due to my excessive tax bill...

Thanks ICON estates, and many happy (tax) returns to you all, Love, Xandria