This Sangiovese has both seriousness and structure. La Chiave is a powerful yet delicate wine with a mesmerising perfume. It has great depth with a gravel-like tannin structure in the mouth which I think holds its own with great examples of the variety from Tuscany and shows more than a touch of old-world charm.
“A break-out single-vineyard Australian sangiovese that delves deep into what it means to be an Italian transplanted to Australia. It brings a delightful richness of flavour matched to a striking, serious structural integrity. The latter sits easily on this wine, deceptively so. The vintage helps; it was a top year, and good balance comes naturally, allowing fruit to hold court. Dark cherry mingles with dried herbs and spice, with an inviting earthy savouriness and smokehouse deli meats and hints of bitters fanning out, encased in firm tannins and freshened in a bright acidity. The fruit line is effortless, so deep and intriguing. Will reward more time in bottle.” 95 points from Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion.
“The triumphant Sangio of Beechworth…Vibrant, moreish, delicious.” ~ Mike Bennie in Wine Front.
“A wine that I have been particularly drawn to over the last few vintages, rather than beseeched to love by the earlier ones. Yet things take time to coalesce, particularly when the missives at Castagna are aimed at a world class target, rather than merely a local one. Succulent red fruit accents are bound by a sinuous tannic twine, doused in marjoram, mint, sandalwood, thyme and lavender, as it etches the palate. Some altitudinal freshness backs up the rear, towing the wine long while pulling the saliva forth in preparation for the next glass. This is very fine domestic Sangiovese.” ~ Ned Goodwin MW