2008 Chianti Classico Cru Giorgio Primo
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Tasting notes
50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Described by Motta as ‘a wine of rebellion’. This was the first vintage without Sangiovese and without Carlo Ferrini as consultant. Made with the current winemaker at Ch Clerc Milon in Bordeaux. Gentle and sweet and lively. Some wild notes. Sweet and spicy. (JR)
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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By this vintage, the small percentage of Sangiovese used in the blend has been removed. The 2008 Giorgio Prima starts its new beginnings as a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Merlot is the protagonist of the blend. Consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini also left Fattoria la Massa by this vintage and this wine was made by Giampaolo Motta and his excellent in-house winemaking team. This is a singular wine that offers a naked sense of elegance and transparency that is really something special. With a gleam in his eye, Giampaolo tells me this is his "single guy" vintage because it always evokes a positive reaction among the ladies. I can confirm that this lady is smitten.
The 2008 Giorgio Primo comes across as a touch lean at first, but then opens up over time. The 2008 presents a slightly darker profile than the 2007s in a tightly coiled style that is typical of the year. A mélange of rosemary, herbs, spices, mocha, leather and licorice adds considerable complexity and character on the mid-palate and finish. In 2008 the blend was 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.
The 2008 Giorgio Primo is all class and elegance. It shows surprising richness for the vintage with a level of detail, clarity and polish that are first-rate. Minerals, crushed flowers, cassis and sweet grilled herbs add complexity on the long, focused finish. This is a fabulous effort from proprietor Giampaolo Motta.