Coltibuono

Yesterday, I mentioned the Coltibuono Cancelli ($). Today, I had the opportunity to taste quite a few more wines from their portfolio.
Rather than get in depth about them all, I will just say that if you see the name, "Coltibuono", buy it. If you see the name "Coltibuono" followed by the word, "Estate", buy two.

Some highlights of the tasting were...
Coltibuono Chianti Classico Estate 2005 ($$) was dry as hell, and awfully green. Let it breathe, and it mellows out to a wine dominated by fruit with a peppery finish. A few months from now, it will probably have mellowed out "in bottle". The Estate has been fairly anticipated by Italian wine geeks, so you're going to have to get one now, even if you plan on opening it in a few months.
Coltibuono Grappa di Sangioveto ($$-$$$) was my first real foray into grappa. Grappa is a pomace based brandy, found in Italy. Grappa, or "Grape Stalk", was originally conceived to eliminate waste from winemaking. Pomace, grape stems, seeds, and skins are distilled to make this brandy.
The Coltibuono Grappa is distilled by Nannoni, which is pretty much the top distiller in Tuscany. It has a nose of pear, and will leave hair on your chest hair.

If you're having a hard time locating Coltibuono, Monsanto Chianti Classico 2003 ($$) rated 91 points from Wine Spectator.