Scoring 18 Dionysian points out of a possible 20, the 21 year-old 1990 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico cost under $16 then and was a great buy. Hints of tomato juice reflected the brightness of spice and herbs in this mature Chianti. After decanting (not much sediment at all) the wine continued to open for an hour.

Its soft tannins and long after-taste made it a great food wine.

Badia a Coltibuono Chianti wines have long been a favorite of mine. It married nicely with basic the pasta and meatballs.

Cellar some wines. On the floor of a closet works, you don’t need a basement. Keep the temperature the same all year and it will work. In Vino Veritas.