Wine Tasting: Italian Sangiovese

Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape in Italy, and our selections all focused on wine produced in Tuscany, where the grape is the primary grape in Chianti (must be 75% sangio), Brunello di Montalcino (must be 100% sangio), and many "super-Tuscan" blends. I liked all of them. These are all great food wines, as you would guess. Here's what we had, my favorites in bold (and in the photo above), and scores where I could find them (WS = Wine Spectator, WE = Wine Enthusiast):

1. 2010 Riecine Chianti Classico ($24): This 100% Sangiovese hails from the organically farmed 30 hectare Riecine estate located Gaiole in Chianti. Medium body, good acid, should be great with food. The favorite of the three Chiantis for several people (I liked the Fontalpino better).
2. 2008 Petrolo "Torrione" Toscana ($24): 90% Sangiovese/10% Merlot? 100% Sangiovese? The internets apparently disagree. But several thought there had to be Merlot in this, given it's softer, more modern flavor profile. WS 90, WE 92.
3. 2007 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino ($39): very nice, but outclassed by the Collemattoni. WE 94, WS 92
4. 1997 Silvio Nardi "Vigneto Manachiara" Brunello di Montalcino ($45): Still opens like a young wine, was wonderful after about an hour, but some thought it fell apart quickly after that. Special wine, for sure, but outclassed by the Collemattoni. WS 95.
5. 2008 Caiarossa "Pergolaia" Toscana ($25): The blend is Sangiovese (85%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) a “classic” Super Tuscan blend and hails from the Tuscan coast in the town of Riparbella near Bolgheri. Clear favorite between the two Super Tuscans. WS 92.
6.  2007 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L, $65): in the big magnum, this was very good, probably my second favorite of the Brunellos, changed a lot over the time it was open, probably would benefit from a few more years of age.
7.  2006 Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino ($44): everyone's consensus favorite of the evening. Gorgeous wine, ready to drink now, a little softer and more barnyard-y than the others. Not a bargain, but way better than any Napa Cabs at this price.
8. 2009 Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico ($17): This Chianti Classico bottling comprised of 90% Sangiovese and 10% of other allowable varietals for Chianti Classico DOCG. My favorite of the Chiantis, awesome value, less aggressive than #1. WS 92
9. 2007 Castello di Fonterutoli "Ser Lapo" Chianti Classico Riserva ($25): Bested by both of the other Chiantis, but still very nice. WA 90.