Banfi Centine, 2007

Banfi Centine, 2007

This red wine from Tuscany is a "Super Tuscan" blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. I was anxious to try this new vintage of Centine (pronounced "CHEN - TIN - AY", in Italian) to see if this wine was as good as the past 2 vintages. I am please to report that the 2007 is every bit as good and perhaps better. Castello Banfi is located in Montalcino, one of the best wine regions of Tuscany. The 2007 Centine has a newly designed label that proudly shows the Castello Banfi Estate. In the glass, the wine is a dark ruby red. The nose has fresh aromas of dark fruit and berries and earth. This is a fruit forward wine with ripe blackberries, cherries, cassis, subtle cedar notes and an underlying minerality. In the mouth this is a medium bodied wine with good balance, velvety tannins and vibrant acidity.This wine is quite elegant and delicious and has a long, smooth satisfying finish. This “entry level” wine from Castello Banfi makes a great house wine to enjoy with dinner or on its own. The Banfi Centine can be found throughout the Seattle area for about $12. This wine is an over achiever!