Chianti Classico Collection 2022- Anteprime Toscane
OK, so this is new. As many of you might know, I once began to write a book on Chianti. It’s a good book; big, long, incoherent at times, with myriad writing styles that evolved during the 3 years of writing it took to complete. Perhaps one day I’ll take another stab at it, but once I was done, and was left with something unpublishable, I abruptly moved on. Too abruptly perhaps, but not unreasonably.
And so for years I tasted but did not publish Chianti reviews, Classico, Rufina, colli Fiorentini, you name it. I thought I had a better use for them. Well as it turns out this is the use I have for them. To share them for free, and generally free of context. It is a step down to be sure, but at this moment it appears to be the right call.
So with only a little further ado, my reviews of Chianti Classico wines tasted at the Chianti Classico Collection tasting featured as part of Anteprima Toscana this past year. As usual, this was a super intense multi-day tasting with sommelier service in a semi blind format. You do have to choose your own wines, so you know what’s coming but you try and ignore the wines when they are poured, at which one is sometimes effective!
I love this event, as much for my love of Chianti Classico as for its format. You can squeeze in a remarkable number of wines over two days with such an efficient format, though with hundreds of wines on offer one does have to be selective. Therein lies the only minor issue one can make with this event. It’s impossible to taste through all the wines so one has to pick and choose, and in general I do pick mostly wines I am familiar with, and whose evolution vintage to vintage I am interested in tracking. Of course I do also try to include a few other wines, to keep things interesting and to expose both myself and my readers to wines we perhaps might not otherwise be aware of.
As a generalization, this does skew my tasting results. I am choosing wineries that I like, or at least acknowledge to be capable, consistent performers, even if I can quibble with some undoubtedly impressive wines. So my scores here do not fall evenly distributed on a bell curve, but rather are skewed towards higher scoring wines. On that point, I also freely admit that after tasting wines for decades, and watching what has happened over the past decade in particular, I have become more liberal with more scoring. The wines deserve it. That’s the flat out truth. I tend to shy away from 98-100 point scores, always thinking that that space needs to be left vacant for future great wines, but I find myself awarding an increasing number of wines 92-96 points. I still find plenty of 70 and 80 point wines as well, but as I’ve said in this crowd the results skew higher.
As far as how I rate wines, it’s worth noting that a 90 point Chianti Classico is just that. Are some wines inherently better than others? Of course. Can we easily compare scores across wine regions? Only if you are familiar with both the regions and my preferences, which are generally for traditional over modern and elegance and refinement over power, complexity over fruitiness. There should be 96 point White Zinfandels, not because those wines could be as good as 96 point Chianti Classicos, but because they could be 96 point white Zinfandels! So do what you want with the scores i’ve assigned to the following wines, but be forewarned, scores mean nothing without the accompanying text and I’ve tried very hard to convey the nature and quality of the wines within their respective reviews.
Just a few words about the vintages in the pipeline. 2020 looks to be a very good vintage indeed, rich, ripe, powerful wines, often darker fruited, with both power and an innate vividness. 2019 on the other hand is on the lighter side, perhaps due to the decidedly large crop, but at the same time they remain bright, with lots of tart red fruits, and sometimes a bit of too stiff tannin. It’s a funny time we live in where 2020 is definitely the better of the two, though 2019 is certainly the more classical styled, and not entirely unlike the 2018s, which are fine wines, also quite classic if perhaps a bit denser than the 2019s but without their vibrancy and also lacking the richness of 2020. It’s a vintage that should please all palate while being favored by none.
And on that note lets get into the wines. Wines denoted by an * were barrel samples.
And so for years I tasted but did not publish Chianti reviews, Classico, Rufina, colli Fiorentini, you name it. I thought I had a better use for them. Well as it turns out this is the use I have for them. To share them for free, and generally free of context. It is a step down to be sure, but at this moment it appears to be the right call.
So with only a little further ado, my reviews of Chianti Classico wines tasted at the Chianti Classico Collection tasting featured as part of Anteprima Toscana this past year. As usual, this was a super intense multi-day tasting with sommelier service in a semi blind format. You do have to choose your own wines, so you know what’s coming but you try and ignore the wines when they are poured, at which one is sometimes effective!
I love this event, as much for my love of Chianti Classico as for its format. You can squeeze in a remarkable number of wines over two days with such an efficient format, though with hundreds of wines on offer one does have to be selective. Therein lies the only minor issue one can make with this event. It’s impossible to taste through all the wines so one has to pick and choose, and in general I do pick mostly wines I am familiar with, and whose evolution vintage to vintage I am interested in tracking. Of course I do also try to include a few other wines, to keep things interesting and to expose both myself and my readers to wines we perhaps might not otherwise be aware of.
As a generalization, this does skew my tasting results. I am choosing wineries that I like, or at least acknowledge to be capable, consistent performers, even if I can quibble with some undoubtedly impressive wines. So my scores here do not fall evenly distributed on a bell curve, but rather are skewed towards higher scoring wines. On that point, I also freely admit that after tasting wines for decades, and watching what has happened over the past decade in particular, I have become more liberal with more scoring. The wines deserve it. That’s the flat out truth. I tend to shy away from 98-100 point scores, always thinking that that space needs to be left vacant for future great wines, but I find myself awarding an increasing number of wines 92-96 points. I still find plenty of 70 and 80 point wines as well, but as I’ve said in this crowd the results skew higher.
As far as how I rate wines, it’s worth noting that a 90 point Chianti Classico is just that. Are some wines inherently better than others? Of course. Can we easily compare scores across wine regions? Only if you are familiar with both the regions and my preferences, which are generally for traditional over modern and elegance and refinement over power, complexity over fruitiness. There should be 96 point White Zinfandels, not because those wines could be as good as 96 point Chianti Classicos, but because they could be 96 point white Zinfandels! So do what you want with the scores i’ve assigned to the following wines, but be forewarned, scores mean nothing without the accompanying text and I’ve tried very hard to convey the nature and quality of the wines within their respective reviews.
Just a few words about the vintages in the pipeline. 2020 looks to be a very good vintage indeed, rich, ripe, powerful wines, often darker fruited, with both power and an innate vividness. 2019 on the other hand is on the lighter side, perhaps due to the decidedly large crop, but at the same time they remain bright, with lots of tart red fruits, and sometimes a bit of too stiff tannin. It’s a funny time we live in where 2020 is definitely the better of the two, though 2019 is certainly the more classical styled, and not entirely unlike the 2018s, which are fine wines, also quite classic if perhaps a bit denser than the 2019s but without their vibrancy and also lacking the richness of 2020. It’s a vintage that should please all palate while being favored by none.
And on that note lets get into the wines. Wines denoted by an * were barrel samples.
Buondonno Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Earthy mineral and floral on the nose with gentle background fruit. A bit spicy and herbaceous. Bright acids on attack, willowy in the mouth, a lovely balance of gracefulness and nuance wrapped in an elegant package. The fruit is at times both tart red and sweet, a lovely pinpoint of maturity. Tannins are quite ripe, already entirely approachable, probably best in about 18 months and for the following 5-8 years. Lacks only a little length. 90pts
Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino 2019*
Deep on the nose, briary, burl wood, earthy, with dried clay and dried tobacco nuance. A bit chewy up front, front loaded at this point with slightly austere tannin, nice depth to the fruit on the palate, very mineral and taut across the palate. A very mineral and taut expression though this is less revealing today, does have terrific length. Rather slightly high in acid and tannin though at this point. 88pts
Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo 2019*
Deep and profound on the nose with layers of earth, sottobosco, tobacco, briary fruit, slight medicinal notes and mint and clay. Lacks a bit of the flesh I usually find here, but is more elegant and certainly deep and juicy with dark cherry fruit, spiciness that recalls vitamins, ample ripe tannins, cherry skins, length, a bit of muscle on the backend, and fine length to the tobacco laced cherry fruit. Needs about 2 years, maybe three to come into its own. 93pts
Castagnoli Chianti Classico Riserva Terrazze 2019
Complex, slightly savory, soapy floral and roasted chestnut aromas great the nose. Theres a hint of wood influence here, lending a slight cigar box aspect alongside and accentuating the growing floral tones. Fairly open, plenty of acid here, keeps this quite vibrant and juicy. Lovely freshness, a hint of bitterness lingers on the midpalate. This is delicate and fine wit subtle complexity. Already delicious with good length, a wine of nuance and grace. Needs a year if that, already quite delicious and totally approachable. 91pts
Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Nose starts off on a slightly woody note, backed up with sweet licorice and herbal aspects before the slightly jammy and dark fruit appears. Almost ample on entry, certainly broad, and firm, with a slight bit of chew to the palate. This is fairly dark and mysterious for the vintage, with late arriving blackberry tinged fruit flavors, that lead to a rather abrupt finish. Acid is well integrated, theres plenty of freshness here, but it lacks just a bit of vividness. 88pts
Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tight and almost quartzy on the nose, lovely nose is all about soil if not showing fruit at the moment; notes of cologne and rosewood add detail. Light on entry, also quite tight, not terribly complex and a bit short perhaps with a nice palate impression that relies on soil tones and hints of tertiary development. Pleasant but not special, if distinctive. 85pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni 2019
Archetypical Chianti Classico nose, Has the gentle austerity, soil, tobacco, and floral nuances, bright cherry fruit, and assertive dried astringent herbal notes. Lovely balance, a bit rounder in the mouth than I would expect from the nose, but the palate impression is a pure continuation of the aromatics found on the nose, all overlaid above a core of gorgeous minerality and rich but ripe tannins, supported by finely integrated acidity. Finishes a touch short but still a very strong showing that should age nicely for a decade or more. 92pts
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019*
Quite floral with hints of citrus peels, grapefruit and citron, along with fine, slightly dark fruit over a base of sandy soil tones. Gorgeous on entry, not full but filled in and seamlessly textured. This is very lively on the palate, with black cherry skin fruit tones dominant early on the palate. The tannins are seamlessly integrated, but are quite firm and ample. Elegant and refined, with decent length. A fine inner mouth perfume of fruit and flowers emerges with some air. Very classy effort. 94pts
Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Dark earthy notes grace the nose with tobacco and almost a cocoa nib element dominant early on, followed by sottobosco, dried cherry fruit, and pressed floral tones. Lighter in the mouth than the nose suggests. A bit firm on the palate, continuing the dark theme with notes of dark cherry, dried dark herbal nuances, and tobacco note leading to a moderately long, chewy almost aggressive finish. I would like to see a bit more freshness to pair with obvious ageability here, but this is quite classic. 89pts
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Perfumed and hightoned on the nose, slightly autumnal and cranberry/lingonberry toned at the same time. Hints of iris and gentle baking spice notes lending nuance. Elegant and tense on entry, then this really unfurls across the palate opening with a lovely gratefulness revealing delicate red fruits, sandy, salty, soil tones, and fine mineral and herbal accents that lend to a long, austere, and elegant finish. Already approachable, but has plenty of tannins to age well. 94pts
Dievole Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento 2019*
Very austere on the nose, almost quinine toned aromas layered over dark, damp soil, iron rich greens, roses, camphor, and finally some dark cherry fruit tones. Medium full and also quite austere and tannic lending this terrific energy across the palate. Not the most complex but this has a terrific texture if you don’t mind some tannins. Real fine grip through the moderately long finish. Elegant and nervous, neither the most complex not the deepest but with such energy on the palate it’s irresistible. 92pts
San giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole 2019*
Shows a blend of wood influence and astringent green herbs, fruit shows a slight confiture note to the wildberry fruit, The wood continues to grow in influence. Becomes dominant. In the mouth this is bright and juicy, with plenty of tension and less overt wood influence. It reappears on the backend, then fades through the long finish, which shows a hint of heat perhaps but is fairly endless. This has a track record of easily absorbing the wood, so fingers crossed on that front, but the underlying material appears to be quite strong. Needs 3 plus years before it gets going. 92pts
Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 2019
Quite herbal and almost vegetal with notes of hummus, grass clippings, hint of green bean and horseradish. Delicate up front, fine medium weight, ripe but not ripe enough to loose that herbal edge, though ripe enough for the tannins to be mostly supple. Very short. This is bottled, but don’t know when, but based on this might still be suffering, or else a rare misstep here. Good but no better than 85pts
Gagliole Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Deep with slightly jammy wild berry gracing the nose followed by stoney notes and fine hints of tobacco and oily mediterranean herbs. Elegant and fine in the mouth, fluid, not loose, but wide open in an easily approachable style. Good length, has a lovely undercurrent of bitter cherry running through it. Nicely done if in an underrated style. 91pts
La Vigna di San Martino ad Argiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Aromas of saddle leather, old wood, prosciutto, and dark cherry fruit greet the nose, followed by subtle floral notes and a fine astringent note. Really complete nose. Almost chewy on entry, tannic but note aggressively so, fuller bodied, big if a bit angular. Chewy through the midpalate, rich with fruit, herbal accents, mineral undertones, almost palate staining in this company. Acidity offers lift on the backend, followed by a hint of heat perhaps, but not bothersome, then waves of fruit and savory complexity on the long finish. Classic stuff and I love it, but some might object to he less than perfectly clean nose. 95pts
Le Filigare Chianti Classico Riserva Maria Vittoria 2019
Very ripe red fruits, all raspberries and jammy lingonberry are wrapped around a core of splintery raw wood. Nicely focused up front, then the wood tannins kick in here sort of imploding the palate. It’s a bit dense and a bit chewy, not unpleasant but touching very little of the palate, surprisingly narrow, and short with some mintiness gracing the astringent finish. The wood is donating the palate today. 80pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Graceful and pure on the nose, very pretty aromas of crushed fruit, flowers, delicate woodland note, petrichor and a faintly aniseed note all come together with terrific detail. Enters the mouth with delicacy and fairly floats above the palate. This is so relaxed, and elegant, rolls gentle across the palate with fine grained tannins supporting earthy flavors that waver between wild strawberry like fruit and tobacco and stone flavors. The floral aspect grows with air, especially in the mouth, and this seduces with it’s gentle demeanor. 92pt
Maurizio Alongi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Barbischio 2019
Dark and earthy fruit aromas conceal a bit of vanillin and splintery oak on the nose, shows a hint of matchstick as well. Light and quite vertical in the mouth with lean, bright, juicy red fruit covering a certain mossy stoniness on the midpalate. A delicate wine, but likable for its energy and freshness. Lacks a bit of follow through and perhaps shows a hint of heat but fine for what it is. 87pts
Monteraponi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Campitello 2019*
Candied fruit and herb aromas greet the nose, this is decidedly ripe and effusive on the nose, with fine aromas of old wood, clay and stone underpinning the fruit. Delicate on entry, then quite tense and faceted with wonderfully transparent fruit on the palate, red and tart, revealing finely detailed stone, briar pipe, and gentle green herbal nuances lurking underneath. Floats across the palate with terrific cut and salinity. Grande vino. Finishes with a flourish of jammy tart red fruits. 96pts
Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Deep, slightly dark, saffrony aromas greet the nose with hints of green tea, almost a curry like complexity of savoriness, and classic dustiness. Fairly round and generous in the mouth, with great balance and good energy to the palate. This get slightly big and almost a touch clumsy on the midpalate before it pulls back and regains focus through the lovely and fairly fruity finish. Plenty of tannins lend support and keep this firm and long, pulling the dark fruit tautly through the finish. A bit of oily herbs grace the midpalate. Needs another 2-3 years. 94pts
San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio 2019
Lightly aromatic with aromas of stones, braised herbs and spiced cherry fruit, cherries jubilee. Light and fresh in the mouth, with a rim of almost sweet fruitiness offering a contrast. Generous, delicately tannic, with decent length to the cherry fruit, this lacks nothing but at the same time is a bit simple and texturally a touch languid, though it is pleasant with lots of tart red berry fruits and a succulent finish. 88pts
Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Intensely aromatic, all damp tobacco, damp earth, astringent herbs, subtle wood influence, and dark cherry fruit that somehow smells more like a super Tuscan than CCR. Slightly larger scaled but lovely and bright in the mouth with polished tannins supporting transparent and tense cherry fruit and earthy accents. Perhaps more about Sangiovese than the terroir, this is gorgeous with cut, length, persistence of flavor, dark tobacco laced flavors, a well measured dose of oak that is not offensive and contributes plenty of nuance to the flavor profile. A touch chewy, just terrific if in need of 2-3 year in the cellar to peak. 94pts
Bindi Sergardi Chianti Classico Riserva Calidonia 2018
Dense on the nose, earthy and deep with hints of early grey tea, tobacco, dried herbs and a minty top note to the fruit which hints at orchard fruits and wild cherries. Delicate with a very refined feel to the wine. This is seamless with tannins and acids totally integrated into the slightly plush and pillowy fruit. The fruit does however fade on the backend leaving one with some rather dry and slightly woody tannins through the modest finish. The fruit is pleasant as long as it is pleasant but this ends in a rather austere and assertive way. 84pts
Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Damp earth, tobacco, and a huge floral bouquet emerge on the nose followed by hints of cocoa and dark berry fruit . Rather large scaled, ample, deep and broad, a really rich mouthful of fruit, lovely and graceful across the palate featuring fresh fruit, dried herbs, and white soil tones that offer real depth on the palate. Powerful and graceful through the long finish. Classic CCR complete. 95pts
Grevepesa Chianti Classico Riserva Clemente VII 2018
Rather pretty nose, with a certain delicacy tot he dried herb, tobacco, and medicinal nose. A little chewy on entry, and angular even slightly rustic. Lots of acid, a bit chewy, perhaps a bit clumsy as well with plenty of chewy and fresh fruit that powers through a modest finish. Neither complex nor powerful but pleasant 86
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo 2018
Dried fruit and herbs dominate the nose along with wild fennel and other dried herbal aromas. Licorice and carob. Nice cut on the palate, gentle but layered in the mouth with fine juicy fruit, more lingonberry than cherry. Rather refined for this bottling with admirable length, and fine detail. Moderately complex and well balanced with supple but ample tannins. 92pts
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Incredibly aromatic but also smelling decidedly of pyrazine. It’s interesting and complex but stand out here like a sore thumb. It oddly dissipates but remains a background note. Larger scaled, broad shouldered, also here on the palate there is a leafy impression of pyrazine, only a detail but present. Lots of acid, not quite ripe but also ripe enough with old school modest yet austere tannins. Slightly minty through the modest finish, which shows a hint of heat. Not sure what to make of this Decent, quite good even, but atypical. 87pts
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Quite oaky with lots of cigar box character on the nose. Too much for me, lends this sweetness and accentuates the tertiary character, though there is some fine red fruit here. Comes off as a bit Brunello like. A touch languid in the mouth, gently chewy, rich with fruit but at the same time has both the sweetness and spice from the wood filling out the palate, and offering midpalate dryness due to the tannins. Short, slightly hot finish. Needs 2-3 years to come together. 87pts
Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
A bit stinky on the nose, touch of petrochemical, along with forest floor, old tea bag, dried white flowers, and salty stone notes. Intense with no shortage of complexity but not a lot fruit. In the mouth it's a different story, there's a fine edge of sweet red fruit, raspberry and cherry toned, that carries along with it all the savoriness of the nose. The tannins are ripe and gently austere, acid is well integrated. It all builds to quite a crescendo on the long finish. Powerful and terrifically detailed example. 94pts
Valiano Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio Teo 2018
Slightly woody on the nose with a sweet creme de cafe aspect, a hint of red pepper jelly, and lots of jammy lichen tinged, wild berry fruit. A touch loose on entry, though showing decent layers of stone, old wood, and dried tart cherry flavors. Tannins are fine and firm underpinning the palate well, and acid is well integrated leading to a long, carob and toffee framed finish of earthy fruit that ends on a pleasant austere note. 87pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico Riserva Drugo 2018
Sweet black cherry compote greets the nose along with hints of saw dust and carob, and mint chocolate chips. Round, ample and broad shouldered on entry with great depth the red berry fruit and particularly to the carob and herb flavors that drive through the palate. This has great intensity to it. Chewy and mouth filling, then slightly rustic on the long rich finish. A powerful wine but with finesse. Fantastic ripe fruit. Needs another year or two but this is great. 96pts
Istine Chianti Classico Riserva LeVigne 2018
Quite antiseptic on the nose, austere and light. Very well balanced, but a bit folded in on itself right now. Still the purity to the fruit is obvious, tannins are firm but so well measured, juicy and rich with fruit, that falls back under the tannin on the moderately long finish. A tight wine, in need of time to open, but superbly well blanched, and showing hints of its potential. The first wine tasted today that demands cellaring. Start drinking in 2024 91pts
Maurizio Brogioni Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Saddle leather, a bit towards barnyard but in a pleasant way lending complexity to the dark, earthy fruit that is tinged with hints of iodine and seaweed. Silky on entry, then a bit loose on the palate. Lacks some depth and intensity to the flavors, but what is here is pleasant and shows decent persistence with good structural drive on the long, slightly overtly tannic and tart finish. 87pts
Montefioralle Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Crushed stone, sweet carob, and slightly roasted cherry fruit aromas greet the nose. Firm and slightly blocky at first, then this slowly unwinds in the mouth revealing terrifically rich red cherry fruit, ripe tannins, all framed with hints of gunpowder, black tea, and ginseng. The finish is terrific, bright red fruits layered over that firm, stony frame, endless. There’s a poise to this wine which makes it distinctive, and lends this such a vividness. I absolutely love this texture of this wine. A benchmark 96pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico Riserva Borro del Diavolo 2018
Dark on the nose with a hint of torrefaction layered over a base of beeswax, older wood, and sandy soil tones. A touch large up front then this quickly fans out across the palate. Lovely delicacy and transparency to the white cherry, lingonberry, and white chocolate notes on the palate. Slightly chewy tannins lend volume to what is a lighter wine, and help stretch out the finish a bit, though the lends a touch of tertiary character there and doesn't help to hide a hint of heat. Needs 2 years to absorb the modest oak influence but should be very fine. 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Chiorba 2018
Flowers, earth, rust, and dried salumi notes greet the nose. Smooth and rich on entry with the mass of fruit covering the not inconsequential tannins. Powerful with elegance. Just layers of rich, earthy floral and dark berry fruit flavors There’s that tanginess on the backend that leads to a dusty, long, mineral drenched finish so juicy, with such finely polished tannins. Wow, this is showing terrifically today but is all about future promise. So complete and well balanced. 95pts
Pomona Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Quite herbal and floral today with saline and astringent accents on the nose. Playful on entry, this exhibits a tenderness to it and at the same time offers up gorgeously layered red fruits, herbal traces, sandy soil notes and a hint of green tea. Light with sparse yet fine tannins leading to a juicy, moderately long finish. Eminently drinkable though better in a year. Finely detailed. 92pts
Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Sandy and floral on the nose with hints of ginseng and carnauba wax. A bit matte on entry, at least based on the expectations created by the nose. Soft and broad in the mouth, a bit of a let down, good finish where the acid jumps and refreshes the palate, but this lacks detail and comes off as a bit ponderous right now. Perhaps another year in bottle will help, but today this is a let down. 84pts
Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio a Frati 2018
Candied red fruits greet the nose followed by faint green herbal notes and very light wood shadings. This is a bit vague in the mouth, structurally one finds good acids and finely judged, supple tannins, but the fruit is simple, tart red berries, with hints of herbs and some carob note lending complexity through the modest finish. Exhibits good length, and is decidedly fresh and fun to drink 87pts
Tenuta Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva La Forra 2018
Big stony nose with hints of seaweed lending complexity, theres a very gentle wood shading here that perhaps lends some complexity as well as wood spice, but it’s decidedly a background note as this gains herbaceousness with air. Supple and rich on entry with a roundness to the palate. There’s lots of substance here, it’s deep and chewy, but it lacks a certain level of detail. Eminently drinkable however and the layered fruit, stone, and herbal aspects of the wine are quite satisfying, if never challenging. A big dumpling of a wine. 89pts
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Smells pretty oaky, almost to the exclusion of anything else though the red fruit and herbal notes can be found. On entry this is much better than expected, well balanced, slightly higher toned, transparent with a fine bitter cherry fruit present and sitting above the oak influence. Finishes with modest length but good purity to the dark cherry fruit. Once past the oak on the nose this is quite appealing with only a modest oak impression present on the palate. Which should be absorbed within about 18 months. Not my favorite but quite good. 91pts
Val delle Corti Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Tight on the nose, and almost steely with hints of older wood and balsamic notes lending complexity. A touch lean on entry, with no shortage of fruit, but lacking a bit of amplitude perhaps. Nicely firm if modestly scaled structure, keeps this juicy and bright with again modest intensity if nicely detailed flavors of wild cherry, stone, tobacco, and even a bit of blueberry on the moderately long finish. Pleasant and fine but lacking a bit of gravitas, but does it need it? It is ultra delicious and irresistible. should improve over 5-7 years. 92pts
CCR 2017
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Fading oak still lends this a spiciness on the nose which is joined by floral notes and a certain meatiness. Rounded and plump on entry, the wood is less obvious in the mouth, though the tannins do stick out, and this delivers lovely and fresh cherry fruit well framed by hints of incipient autumnal notes and well, not too much else. It’s really about tons of tart cherry fruit, bright acidity, and that oak influence which lends spice and sweetness to temper the acidity. It’s good for what it is, but misses the mark a bit for me. A bit chewy on the moderately long finish as the tannins mount. 88pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
This has such a gorgeous nose, it’s all violets, iris, fennel, a hint of oak, and slow to emerge dark berry and slightly grapey fruit. Velvety on entry, then showing some of its tannic gravitas as it gathers itself on the midplate turning firm and tense while revealing the depth of its flavors. Before gaining fine lift through the backend and on to the long, fine finish with its flourish of floral and herbal elements. Almost at peak and just great if you prefer an edgy and savory wine. Could use just a bit more fruit to cover the structural elements on the finish but that’s picking nits. 94pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Mineral and dusty on the nose, with hints of ivy and basil stems lending complexity to the core of red berry fruits. Taut, even a bit slender in the mouth with a certain elegance that is paired with the assertive bricky, mineral tinged, almost rusty notes. Brick and vitamin flavors lend complexity to the red berry fruit through the finish which reveals both the depth of covering fruit here and the structure. Tannins linger long after the finish. Built a bit like a brick house, this requires a year or two in bottle but is very serious and age worthy stuff. Chewy and powerful if not large scaled. 94pts
Vegi Chianti Classico Riserva Silvio Chiostri 2017
Very complex on the nose with a melange of wood influences, iodine, roasted chestnut, roasted red fruits, nopales. Larger scaled, rich in the mouth with lots of fruit supported by masses of supple tannins. On the chewy side of things. Perhaps a bit too tannic. Pleasant wine, but too tannic with braised herbal and licorice notes on the back end. Perhaps in 4-5 years the tannins will integrate but the likelihood of the fruit remaining until then is slim. 85pts
Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneti La Selvanella 2017
A little wild on the nose, quite polleny, herbal and windswept meadow scented. Fine, delicate red berry fruits emerge on the nose along with a light caramel accent note. Rather open, well balanced, really well put together, everything is in place and well balanced, good fruit but also shows fine herbal nuance, with the polleny note on the nose emerging on the palate as well. Archetypical CCR, lacks some complexity and length but totally satisfying. 90pts
Mannucci Droandi Chianti Classico Riserva Ceppeto 2017
Leathery, barnyard, licorice a touch of cedar, and braised herbs with a menthol edge come together on the nose. Ample wine, quite flamboyant and slightly large scaled in the mouth Lots of dark fruit here is well framed by the savory notes found on the nose. Makes this a bit dark and mysterious. Finishes a bit short and on that cedary note found on the nose with wood tannins drying the palate. Good, but are they trying too hard? 86pts
Podere Scheggiolla Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Pretty complex if quite savory on the nose, with a very interesting array of dried citrus peels, stone, minerality, and green herbal spice notes. Enters the mouth with a fine balance of rich fruit and firm structural elements. In the mouth the acidity emerges lending this brightness, but at the same time carob and sottobosco notes counter that freshness. Tannins are firm and rich, chewy and dominate the finish. The flavors here are a bit too advanced and given the tannic nature of this wine it’s future is in doubt. 83pts
OVERTIME
Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Deep on the nose with aromas of old wood, wax, prosciutto, white pepper and just a hint of orange oil. A touch loose up front then this grows on the palate revealing fine red fruit, plenty of edgy stone and soil notes along with a deep mellowness. The finish shows a reemergence of red fruit and exhibits good length. A bit on the rustic side, but attractively so, with a firmness that bodes well for the future. Still needs 2-3 years but might always be a little austere. 89pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A gentle nose reveals a not inconsequential note of wood spice layered over dark fruit and wild mediterranean wild herbs, Dark on the palate as well, and marked by pencil lead and dark oily herbal notes. Lovely texture, supple fruit covers a firm but not aggressive structural core. Good length, lovely fruit that shows real lift through the moderately long finish. Complex and long with only an abundance of tannins to worry about. Give it another year then serve it with red meat or other fatty foods. 90pts
Le Masse di Greve Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A bit sandy toned on the nose, with white floral top notes and a core of astringent red berry fruit. Almost soft up front, then this turns lovely with acidity serving as much as tannins for structural support. Easy going, juicy medium bodied with fine delicate accent notes lending a bit of complexity. Basically ready to go in a crowd pleasing style. 89pts.
Solatione Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A touch anonymous on the nose with its orange oil, dark cherry, and ever so slightly oak influenced aromas. A bit loose up front, then this gains its center again, a bit tight but absolutely velvety on the palate, all dark cherry toned with some underlying bitter herbs and fine soil tones. This is perhaps modern styled but with classic tobacco, polleny, and herb accents. Lacks some of the typical brightness but is very good. 91pts
Chianti Classico 2020
Buondonno Chianti Classico 2020*
Fresh, menthol laced fruity aromas though not really that fruity, more stone and menthol. Juicy and rich, and on the palate as well. This is fruity but not really frooty, very classic, high acid, angular tannin Chianti Classico. Needs food, a throwback wine though squeaky clean. Boy does this need food. 90pts
Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico 2020
A little petrichor makes this very floral bouquet smell of a stroll through a meadow after the rain. Really quite profound and gorgeously perfumed. Slightly soft and broad at first, with fine inner mouth perfumes of all that grassy goodness. Juicy bright and vivid with very small red berried fruit. A very exciting wine to drink now and over the next 3-5 years. 92pts
Castelgreve Chianti Classico 2020
Slightly darker fruit profile with some bruised apple tones and an underlay of earth and oyster shells.. Rather large scaled and languid in the mouth. There’s a lot of earthy fruit here and a fair amount of tannin, it veers over towards CCR structurally with good length and brightness, but it lacks the vivid immediacy I like in CC. 87pts
Castello di Albola Chianti Classico 2020*
Deep and very fruity with a cherry compote sort of nose, smells like the barrel sample it is. A touch of flint graces the nose. Packed with fruit, though remaining bright enough. This is almost luscious, as luscious as one can expect Chianti Classico to get at least. Up front it’s a fruit bomb that gains some minerality and focus through the moderately long finish. Big, fun wine. 88pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 2020
Low on the nose, tobacco laced with hints of menthol, tea bag, dried lemon, and a faint green herbal note. Smooth, velvety smooth, ripe with supple tannins, tempted to call that elegant, but it’s more than that, almost languid but with fine depth and nuance, it’s not facile. A touch chewy on the fairly long finish, decidedly sophisticated take on Chianti Classico. 91pts
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico 2020*
Wow, this has incredible perfumes right now with violet and almost cinnamon like notes vying for one’s attention over the pool of ripe red fruits and oily mediterranean herbal notes. Sweet tart on entry, then turning slightly tart and ever so slightly bitter with bitter cherry and herb flavors competing for attention. Powerful in a way, not overweight but deep, slightly chewy and exceptionally vinous. Could improve over the next 2-3 years but this is already a fantastic Chianti Classico. Not really sure how it gets better. 94pts
Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020
Deep, slightly briary and antiseptic nose shows good depth and intensity. Rounded, comes off as almost sweet due to the masses of fruit, then the acidity kicks in and this turns quite bright and juicy. It’s in a slightly earthy register which adds a little tobacco to the mix already and lends the fruit a bit of a truffle, darkness to it but this is quite good in a slightly atypical style. 91pts
Volpaia Chianti Classico 2020
Delicate and high toned, as much about sand as it is about delicate red fruit and flowers. Round and supple in the mouth, with lovely delicacy and purity of fruit. This is totally transparent, almost diaphanous, with a lovely caressing quality to the fruit. Tannins are quite modest, delicious, slightly smaller scaled wine that is ready to and easy to drink. 91
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2020
Slightly aggressive in the nose, shows a hint of oak but also some deep cocoa, polleny floral, and herbal undertones. Smooth at first before the tannins kick in, this is a bit big for its britches, lots of stuff here, and it needs some age to temper the tannins and allow for the wine to integrate but I’m not sure this is sufficiently different from CCR. It’s a very good wine, lots to like, powerful, deep, and chewy, but it lacks the brightness and immediacy of CC. 88pts
Nunzi Conti Chianti Classico 2020
A different take on Sangiovese, menthol top notes, then this turns a bit tarry and meaty on the nose with a hint of jasmine to the bloody core. Intense, deep and flavorful with that bloodiness and jasmine note opening on the palate along with slightly plummy fruit and amazing pure floral inner mouth perfumes that linger over the long finish. Wow this is good, it has it all, power without being powerful, structure without being tannic, and layers of wonderfully pure and fresh terroir driven fruit flavors. Drink this all day. 94pts
San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico 2020*
So much liquory fruit on the nose, all wild cherry and black raspberry toned paired with pencil shavings and dark, charcoally earth. Broad and supple in the mouth, a bit of a languid pool of dark fruit, this lacks some of the brightness and vividness of its peers, and could use a bit of time in bottle being fairly durable but at the same time it delivers tons of dark berry fruit, earthiness, mineral nuance with a slightly tarry top note. It’s a lot of wine, but lacks the brightness of the best, but is very impressive. Finishes a touch short. 91pts
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2020*
Delicate and a bit sandy with some dune like grassy, saline aromas. Dried floral notes, a touch of iris. Almost soft at first, but this is never soft, fine supporting acids keep this lively, and fine grained tannins lend this volume in the mouth. A bit chewy and in need of another 6 months in the bottle, but this is already rather complex and nuanced in the mouth. Really deep wild berry, almost boysenberry fruit drapes across the palate and through the long finish. 93pts
Istine Chianti Classico 2020
Shows delicacy and complexity on the nose with nuanced aromas of crushed stone, wild flowers, some green citron peel, and a note of crushed thyme. Soft and ample with enough acid to slice through the fruit on the palate. Almost edgy, but theres just enough fruit to thrust this in a slightly more languid direction. Deep with a hint of blood lending complexity to the crushed stone and wild cherry core. Good length and resonance to the fruit on the finish. Slightly chewy here, more of an intellectual wine. Contemplative. 92pts
Filigare Chianti Classico 2020*
Sweet, dark fruit greets the nose followed by minty braised herbs and some sandy soil tones soapy floral. A bit loose in the mouth, languidly drifting across the palate. This has good depth and richness but lacks some detail and definition and is built more on its persistent tannins than brightening acidity. A bit short as well. 86pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico 2020*
Aromas of caramel and carob greet the nose followed by a quincy note. Delicate in the mouth, certainly acid driven, easy going but the flavors are definitely showing too advanced. The finish picks up a bit but this is both too young and a touch tired. Tried twice. 82pts
L'Erta di Radda Chianti Classico 2020*
Tight, all cranberry, lingonberry and crushed stone on the nose. Rich with soft fruit and tiny, pinpoint tannins leading to a bit of a mouth filling feel here, though this remains quite modestly scaled. Good depth on the palate does not extend for very long on the finish which is mostly dominated by dusty crushed rock aspect of the flavor profile. Masculine, if sinewy, this could use another 6-8 months to relax, and has the focus and verve to be excellent then. It’s not easy going but is a very fine example. 92pts
Maurizio Brogioni Chianti Classico H'Amorosa 2020
All earth, tea, and tobacco on the nose, quite profoundly intense but also quite savory. This is downright plush in the mouth The savory herbal flavors translate directly to the palate, where they are joined by some slightly plummy fruit. There’s even a truffly note here, what a curious wine! Totally attractive if atypical, I would be hesitant to recommend this as Chianti Classico but do find it enjoyable and even more so interesting. Finishes with good length and lots of dusty, mineral tannin notes. 90pts
Monteraponi Chianti Classico 2020
Very high toned tobacco element greets the nose followed by saffron notes, a hint of chestnut then lots of iris and flowery aromas. Theres a fine interplay of tension and fruit here on the palate. The fruit is delicate, red cherry toned, transparent and gauzy, all underpinned by this marvelous sweet, yet ripe tannins. A wine of delicacy and grace that hides away it’s structure. Really delicious, not terribly intense so food pairings need to be carefully considered lest the wine be lost, so stuff a veal breast with more morels and be done with it. 91pts
Morino Chianti Classico 2020*
Sweetly fruited on the nose with a hint of black currant lending complexity to the spicy array of aromatics. A bit of salumi creeps in here as well along with some dark, earthy fruit. Sweetly fruity on entry, really kind of a fruit bomb though in the best possible way. Juicy, black cherry skins, hints of pepperiness, supple tannins, good length fruit driven finish. This is refined, and fruity with lovely austerity to the tannins that lend this a rather river stone note on the palate and through the long finish. Fruity and zesty. 92pts
Podere Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2020
Light and airy, smells almost like mineral water with wild cherry and red currant juices added. A touch compact in the mouth, though with good energy and terrific depth. There's a hint of almost mushroominess here already lending completely to what is already a complex and nuanced flavor profile, rich with fresh\ly turned earth, bitter cherry, and very old wood flavors. Long and with great cut on the finish. Slightly rustic but attractively so. Gaining floral notes with air. Very well balanced and harmonious if rustically flavored. 92pts
Poggio Scalette Chianti Classico 2020
Deep and refined on the nose, sophisticated even with sort of the treatment of oak aging without the aromatic impact. There’s an underlying sweetness here, it’s just seductive, all paired with fresh leather, cherry fruit, and a bit of cinnamony, big-red like fruit. Smooth, polished, with wispy streaks of herbs running through this seamless sphere of red fruit that has sandy soil tone and saffron notes wrapped in its core. It is not what i think when I think of Chianti Classico, being both more polished and denser, but it is a fascinating and unique expression of sangiovese that is more sophisticated than most. Great stuff. 93pts
Poggerino Chianti Classico 2020
Dedicate on the nose, quite violet driven aromas with hints of blue fruits, and black tea. Smooth and juicy, almost playful but has enough substance to lend it at least the appearance of seriousness. Deep, satisfying, and turning slightly savory on the finish, this is Chianti Classico Cashmere. Everything is where it’s supposed to be, not a thing out of place. One could wish for a touch more acid but this is stylish as it is, with a gratefulness that offsets it’s softness. 91pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico 2020
Earthy and forest floor aromas dominate the nose, intensely and with a hint of dirtiness to boot. Rich juicy powerful example of Chianti Classico with just tons of sweet, if dark cherry fruit on the palate. It’s a touch short, and the acidity really drives the tart finish, but if the fruit can extend itself with some more time in the bottle, this could be great. As it is it’s a bit of a fruit bomb, though with plenty of earthy complexity. The fruity is already showing a bit of sneaky length. 89pts
San Felice Chianti Classico 2020
A bit diffuse on the nose, not unpleasant but the fruit, baking spice, mineral, and soil aromas are both delicate and lacking detail. The palate is similar, it’s a lovely, playful wine, easy to drink, and easy to understand with good acidity and modest tannins. Juicy and delicious though not challenging in any way. 87pts
Terra di Seta Chianti Classico 2020
Reticent on the nose, smells compact with a minor wood influence covering modest fruit and herbal notes. Smooth, juicy, a bit of a two step though. There’s some substance and incipient chocolate tones emerging in the background, lending some lusciousness here, which does extend nicely over the rather long finish which shows off the fine grained tannins here. You have to play along here, attention is rewarded, though this is a wine more of subtlety. 88pts
Chianti Classico 2019
Fontalpino Chianti Classico 2019
A little citrussy and red fruited on the nose with classic, dusty soil tones and perhaps a touch of iodine. Juicy to the max, enough fruit to balance it out, though the fruit is of the tart red variety, red currant and raspberry. Tannins are super delicate but lend some dusty firmness to the modest finish. Pleasant and easy going, if in a traditional vein. 87pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico 2019
Floral, pollen, beeswax, and iris, come together to lend detail to the core of wild red berry fruit here. Juicy and bright, fine grained tannins, lovely lithe texture here, everything is so easy going, but together it’s all rather intense. Nuanced flavors are delicate but pile up on one another, the tannins are fine grained but abundant, as is the acidity, leading to an intense and long, dusty and deep experience. 93pts
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2019
High toned and slightly woodsy on the nose, Smooth and a touch compact in the mouth, though with lovely earthy dark cherry/berry flavors that lead to a long, juicy finish. It’s a touch earthy and a touch rustic in style but very much what should be expected from a Chianti Classico. 86pts
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico 2019
Pure fruit greets the nose, all cherry/berry/mulberry scented. Very subtle details of pipe briar, mineral salts, and limestone lend detail. Soft and supple on entry, easy drinking in style though totally traditional in feel and flavor. Shows a little bloodiness on the palate, with good length and real clarity to the fruit. It’s not terrible complex but is what most people think of when the think of Chianti Classico. 91pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2019
Reticent on the nose though it does have a sort of fruit punch type of fruitiness to it. Smooth and a touch matte in the mouth, lacks some juiciness though does have an attractive mineral aspect to offer contrast to the pleasant fruit. The finish reveals sufficient acidity and modest tannin. Easy going, good choice of a BYG program. 86pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 2019
Clay and mineral notes great the nose along with briary woody, brambly fruit, and soapy floral top notes. A bit edgy in the mouth, clear on the palate with good complexity and a lovely, slightly astringent, but rounded and easy going mouthfeel. This is classic slightly rustic, decidedly austere Chianti Classico that calls out for a good bistecca. It’s not terribly fruity, but has lots of flavor and offers up a certain intensity in a classic CC cut with a hint of bitterness on the finale. 90pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico 2019
Very fragrant, lots of sottobosco, damp earth, and tobacco on the nose along with spicy, almost jumper scented dark berry fruit. Powerful and deep, but not terribly weighty on the palate with lots of stiff little tannins and plenty of acidity to keep this fresh and juicy. Decent length sees the earthy fruit on the palate dissipate slightly to reveal more of that spicy character found on the nose. A bit of an aggressive, challenging style. 88pts
Fontodi Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole 2019
Delicate and high toned floral nose. Rather delicate on entry as well, while showing good fruit on the midpalate, this retains the delicacy associated with Lamole. There’s a suppleness to the tannins, and then the wine finishes with strong floral, polleny character and a subtle bitterness coming from the rich earthiness of the wine. Almost with a tarry aspect. A bit too tannic though in this vintage. 89pts
Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico 2019
Fairly fruity on the nose with decidedly woodsy overtones and a hint of sagey herbal quality. Juicy, easy going, very easy going in fact. There is pleasant red berry fruit here, more currant than cherry, and gently complicating hints of woodland spice and floral notes, with a fine, juicy finish. It’s another easygoing, if complete style that would be ideal for a BYG program. 85pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Lamole 2019
Intensely antiseptic on the nose, all chalk, quinine, nettles, and that almost minty quality that develops into a more balsamic tone with time. Soft, pillowy, delicate nuanced wine. It’s another beast entirely from what we’ve been tasting. The flavor profile is similar, but this as seen through a fog, or clouds. Absolutely delicious and pure, more a wine to savor than to pair at the table, but there it would do well with delicate dishes. Tortellini with butter and sage perhaps. 91pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Terra di Lamole 2019
More balsamic and woodsy than its sibling bottle. Subtle, yet well defined with more dried cherry and leather notes as well. A little less gauzy than its sibling, better defined in the mouth and more exciting as well. This is vibrant and delicious, with tons of cherry fruit, gently framed with balsamic and floral tones. The tannins are a sliver dry, but so feathery they barely are noticeable until the finish. Just terrific balance and equilibrium. Far exceeds expectations for what a Chainti Classico should be. If Quintarelli made Chianti Classico? 94pts
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2019
A touch weedy on the nose, lacking some intensity as well perhaps, though it does reveal some nice candied cherry tones with air. Easy going, soft, supple wine that lacks a bit of brightness perhaps, though it has plenty of acidity it somehow does quite translate to juiciness here. It is totally buffered by the sweet richness of the fruit on the palate which will undoubtedly be more to other consumer’s preferences than mine. For me it’s just a bit to sweet and fruity. 88pts
L'Erta di Radda Chianti Classico 2019
Smells muscular, cologne like, nutty and dark with moist earth and baked cherry/berry fruit. Smooth and rich on entry, lots of wine here, full of sweet, ripe fruit, intense acidity and fine supporting tannins.This is just intense, it’s a great wine, but not what I necessarily want from a Chianti Classico. It’s almost super Tuscan in style, with great cut on the backend and a long, linear finish. It would benefit from some time in the cellar, though today it would pair well with a steak. It’s the sort of wine that totally over delivers, yet somehow misses the mark for me. 93pts
Montefioralle Chianti Classico 2019
Quite floral and stoney on the nose with hints of licorice and medicinal herbs lending complexity. Rather supple early on the palate, though it shows wonderful depth to its black cherry skin fruit flavors. There's a fine mineral wash to this that draws out the finish, just terrific if slightly sneaky wine that gains more sanguine notes with air and subtle salumi notes as well. A gourmand wine, love to have this with myriad foods. Classic Chianti Classico that is slightly denser than one might expect. 92pts
Nittardi Chianti Classico La Doghessa 2019
Gorgeous nose redolent of pine woods, forest floor, campfire, a hint of toasted marshmallow, and some candied cherries with a hint of bouquet garni. Rich and with a certain sense of polish though this doesn’t lose it’s grip. Deep and almost savory, though the fruitiness wins out in the end, finishing moderately long with floral and sanguine notes on the finale. Starts out strongly then peters out a bit. 90pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico 2019
Cherry juice is joined by high toned balsamic notes and sandy soil tones on the nose. There’s a hint of newer wood here as well, lending some complexity. All cherry juice early on the attack, and this is surprisingly soft through the midpalate, where it grabs the palate assertively with tannins and licorice tinged slightly bitterness, all clipping the finish somewhat. Chewy and a bit rustic, 86pts
Podere Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2019
Almost grapey on the nose with lots of dark cherry fruit joined by balsamic hints, minty notes, sagey herbal accents and a sweet, sassafras underlay. Delicate but medium full in the mouth, this is supple and tender if not soft by any means. Deep and savory on the palate, with lots of sandy notes, polleny flower toned, a hint of ginseng and a finishing note of tea with a hint of honey. Lovely expression of Chianti Classico 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico 2019
Slightly inky and certainly violet driven on the nose with hints of blood and mineral salts lending detail. Soft at first, then the fruit rolls in on a wave. Powerfully fruity with tannins that are very finely rendered. Good acidity lends this a succulence on the moderately long finish. Rich but not weighty, deep and fairly long with a fine layered of flavors, fruit, spice, tobacco, and finally a bloody finale. Tannins are crystalline. Outperforms its class and will age very well for 5-8 years. 93pts
Poggerino Chianti Classico Nuovo 2019
Has a light impression of oak to it, mostly rather fruity and high toned. Very fruity on entry, lots of plump, fresh fruit here. There’s a hints of licorice, of black pepper that lends some spiciness here, but in generally we have a fruit bomb with lovely savory undertones and a decent length finish. There’s a touch of heaviness to this, lacking a bit of acidity or perhaps that’s all that there is, makes this feel a bit chewier than it is. Very good and certainly going to be a crowd pleaser, but not my style. 87pts
Pomona Chianti Classico 2019
Rather high toned and perfumed on the nose with incipient balsamic character, A little plump, pleasantly fruity but the fruit here is on the leaner, transparent side revealing lovely underlaying detail. Juicy. Tannins are ripe and fine grained if not polished, lending this a gentle rusticity in the best possible way. It’s delicious and easy to drink, with good complexity with it’s slightly saline soil tones and gentle flush of tobacco and dried herbal accent, but not too challenging. Finishes with a faint hint of cinnamony spiciness. Lovely. 91pts
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2019
A little sweet nougat wood greets the nose along with aromas of wet clay, damp earth, a little vitamin powder and dark, almost plummy fruit. The oak grows in importance and while it is not totally dominant it is the main characteristic at this point. Lots of acid here, it overshadows even the wood tannins on the finish. In the mouth this retains admirable transparency, with well managed fruit tannins, lending a firmness to what is a fairly elegant wine. The fruit flavors are riper than the feel of the wine, with notes of licorice, plum, and black cherry on the palate. Has a gently nuanced feel with a modest finish. Quite refined and approachable if better with an additional 2-3 years of bottle age. 92pts
Riecine Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Dark and earthy with slight herbal streaks through the slightly peppery dark berry fruit laid over hints of quinine and crushed rock. Smooth, quite ample up front before the acids and dusty tannins kick in. The tannins are angular and fresh, lending some energy to what feels like a quite ripe and slightly heavy finish. Fruits have a liquory edge to them, very attractive in their sweetness, and depth, with tons of acid lending cut to the moderately long finish where the fruit takes on a much fresher red berry strawberry, red currant tone. Delicious already, this will improve with an additional 5-7 years in bottle. 92pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2018
A touch closed on the nose, with some background wood notes emerging with air, followed by sweet, almost candied black berry fruits, toast, and a touch of smoke. Smells like breakfast. Bright and juicy with austere tannins early on the palate. Very well balanced, this shows lovely depth and density without excessive weight. Retains an edge of Tuscan wildness to it with wild berry fruit flavors, a lovely edge of dustiness, and a long, succulent finish with playfully polished tannins and finely integrated acidity. Can be enjoyed today but deserves another 2-3 years in bottle to really show it’s best. 93pts
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Berardo 2018
Leather and cigar wrap notes pop from the glass followed by a gentle old wood sweet spice notes and candied blackberries. Juicy with slightly stiff tannins, this really is quite bright and lithe this vintage. With a pleasant astringency underpinning everything, this has the feel of classic Chianti Classico, right through the moderately long, stony finish. There’s a pleasant earthiness at the core here, which, along with a tea note and incipient tobacco note, offers good complexity. Absolutely palate cleansing at this stage and probably better over the next 5 years than the following 5. 91pts
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2018
Almost saline on the nose at first, then showing a lovely blend of mediterranean herbs, quartzy minerality, and rich cherry fruit all wrapped gently in hint of cigar box. In the mouth this offers a fine blend of flesh, brightness, depth and tension. Really driven by the spice and stone notes here which are amplified by the dusty tannins that coat the mouth. While tannic, this remains very well balanced with that cigar box note drawing out the finish. Rather elegant across the plate and offering both immediate appeal but also great promise for the future. The fruit here is really so fresh. 94pts
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna 2018
Deep savory tones meld with rich fruit on the nose, shows great intensity and complexity with aromas of medicinal herbs, black cherry, fresh leather, and hints of black pepper. A touch languid in the mouth after the promise of the nose. Rich, and veering towards soft with moderate acids but tons of stony, mineral inflected tannins offering structural support. A throwback wine, Chianti Classico as it was last century. The nose continues to gain complexity, while the palate never succeeds in breaking the tannic bonds. Chewy, dense, and fairly powerful, this needs 3-4 years in the bottle but doesn’t seem to have the freshness of fruit to last that long. 90pts
Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna La Fornace 2018
Quite intensely aromatic though retaining a certain delicacy to the perfumes of red currant, blue flowers, quince paste, older wood, and a minty, herbal top note. Very well integrated, this has a certain mass to it but retains great freshness with playful, yet slight angular and austere tannins offering wonderful support to the crushed raspberry/currant fruit of the palate. It perhaps lacks a touch of complexity, though truffly notes along with hints of carob and cigar tobacco creep in on the backend before this returns to a rather pure and delightful red currant finish of impressive persistence. Theres a subtle blueberry note that emerges slowly as well, along with a real dusty tone accompanying the tannins. Would benefit from another 6-8 months in bottle then enjoy over the next 5-10 years. 94pts
Dievole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina 2018
A slender yet aggressive vein of oak pairs with sour plum fruit on the nose to make for an unusual start here. Turning increasingly floral with air, this is quite unusual with an almost grafite,, black spice edge to it. Tight and incredibly focused with very densely packed fine grained tannins offering firmness and support on the palate. Slight Bordelaise in feel, this is impressive and obviously they are trying to make a statement with this wine. It’s tight, so shows not to its advantage in this crowd, but it is impressive and distinctive. With great cut and focus through the long, finish rich with fruit tannins. Plummy on the palate and with only subtle complexity at this point I would wait for this, give it a year or two and then check in again but I am impressed. SuperTuscan in style. 93pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Slightly nutty and sweet on the nose though with lots of floral extract, darkly earthy, and peppery nuance. A bit chewy and dense on entry, shows perhaps a bit too much extraction, it’s muscular and rich but tannic and dense at the same time. Full of black cherry fruit with dark earth and slightly braised herbal accent notes, it comes off as clumsy and over extracted. A bit of a black hole. 87pts
Felsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2018
The nose is rich with scents of india ink, herbal extract, and baked black fruits. Shows a hint of oak on entry, followed by a dark, hard core of black fruit. It’s tannic and firm, with huge impressions of stoniness on the midpalate that leads to a long, dusty finish. This is all about potential, it’s fresh, powerful, and well balanced with a certain degree of elegance discernible, but at the same time this is made to be cellared and demands 3-5 years of further ageing. It’s a bit super Tuscan in feel, but shows impressive potential. 93pts
Gagliole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule 2018
Smoky and slightly milky on the nose, with hints of campfire, black currant fruit, and scorched earth. A touch of sweetness greets the tongue, followed by a tight, linear wine, quite taut and focused, with wood tannins marring the midpalate but otherwise this is quite pretty. The wood tannins ruin the wine for me, they are very aggressive and invasive, drying the palate and clipping what seems to be a potentially long finish. This will improve as the oak integrates, it usually does, warranting a higher score, but for my palate this is a tough call given the state of the competition. 88pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Smells like gardening. Hands in the earth, weeding, clipping flowers gardening. There’s a touch of old wood that returns us to the vinous world but this is not your typical CCGS. Slightly broad on entry, with polleny floral tones and an incipient truffly note early on the palate. Theres breadth here on the palate, but also delicacy and detail through the fairly long finish. Cleansing acidity and some slightly austere tannins lend length to the finish. Easy going but not facile, lovely nuanced wine with it’s polleny tones, sour red berry cherry fruit and soil driven savoriness. 93pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lorenzo 2018
Wow, what intense aromatics, a big bowl of cherries, older wood, talc, a hint of green freshness and white pepper greet the nose. Smooth, and at first not as exuberant as one might expect given the nose, but this is low and seductive in the mouth, with plenty of acid and yet this doesn’t pop but rather floats along across the palate with the finest grained tannins, a touch of woodiness, and lovely peeks of tertiary development to come. A lovely, somewhat tight on the palate wine, which is the definition of understatement at this level. Long, and very attractive. Will benefit from another 18 -24 months in bottle. 94pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Fine and elegant aromatics featuring hints of grass and hickory emerging from the glass followed by crystalline blackberry fruit, some smokiness, and a rich soil tone. Oh my, this is it, crystal clear on the palate, elegant and fine, with the most seductive mouthfeel. The fruit is gorgeously pure, black cherry and blackberry toned, followed by remarkably detailed soil, stone, and black tea notes, all leading to a focus, sapid finish. So refined, elegant, and yet with a sense of power and perfectly judged tannins that are fresh and firm. Stunning wine, could be perfect with another year or two of bottle age. 98pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Rocco 2018
Profoundly aromatic, deep and earthy with cherry pie, sage, and chestnut aromas. Smooth and almost supple in the mouth, broad with incipient truffle notes. A lovely classic example of Chianti Classico, slightly chewy and rich but retaining good clarity on the palate, though it does drop off on the backend, leaving a persistent tannic impression in its place. This should age well and find it’s equilibrium. 91pts
Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Zac 2018
Reticent on the nose with slow to emerge dusty and herbal aromas along with candied black cherry lozenge notes. Smooth and matte in the mouth. Has the same rather simple black cherry lozenge and herb flavors in the mouth. Dull lacking length and height on the palate. Has some substance, so should improve but just lacks liveliness at this point. 87pts
Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Tommaso 2018
Reticent on the nose with some dusty cellar aromas, along with dark plummy fruit and an emerging layer of raw wood. Smooth but focused, with fine cut on the palate. Here one finds fine grained tannins lending support to a bright palate which features subtle flavors of plum, black cherry, and wood spice. A more incisive wine than the Zac, this shares it’s general matte feel, with a bit more wood influence noticeable with the tannins, but also with better verve and liveliness. 89pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Piuca 2017
Wow, gorgeous nose at first reminiscent of Dr. Pepper or root beer. Intense with blue floral notes and lots of subtle medical herbal accents, along with salted plum fruit and a mineral underlay. Lovely in the mouth, leads with a rush of fruit followed by the balanced but pronounced tannin and acid structure which is firm but lacy. Very transparent, long, succulent wine with great energy in the mouth. The finish shows plenty of violet, dried orange rind, and medicinal herb notes, which are joined by a sheen of plummy and red currant fruit on the midpalate. Lots of energy here, and great cut on the long finish which shows off some willowy tannins. 96pts .
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio 2017
A little dark on the nose, recalls poppy seeds along with hints of leather, gardenia, preserved lemon and dark, bitter cherry fruit. Bright, lots of acid here, and very focused but the acid is just a bit dominant. A nice subtle chewiness help to buffer the acidity, but this is tart right through the long finish. Subtle flavors, again the poppy seeds along with small black cherry fruit and some soil tones that all sort of evaporate on the modest finish. These bottles could have been open from yesterday so it’s tough to say whats going on with this, but it’s a bit lean and ordinary for Il Poggio. 90pts
Villa Calcinia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano 2017
Deep and luxurious smelling with a coating of sweet, expensive oak wrapped around a core of plummy fruit featuring accents of jasmine, green tea, and wild fennel. It smells terrific. Smooth and round in the mouth, theres a lot of substance here but its well supported by the harmonious structural elements. Lovely intensity to the fruit, and this really is quite tannic with soft fruit tannins, but still is a bit mouth puckering, in a pleasant way. Air brings the wood on the nose to the fore, but somehow this remains fruit driven with exotic accents found on the nose joined by clay notes on the back end and through the finish. Give it 18-24 months for the oak to better integrate then be surprised by this for another 5-10 years or more. 94pts
Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Really dull and oaky on the nose. Raw with lots of underlying red berry fruit but oak dominant. Smooth and edgy early on the palate. Juicy in the mouth where the oak is well balanced by slight chewy, rich fruit. But here to the wine comes off as unbalanced and unformed, too tannic and lacking harmony. Very tannic. JR
San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio 2017
Shale and oily notes greet the nose followed by damp tobacco, braised fennel, and pressed floral notes. Bright and lively on entry, with some older wood notes early on the palate followed by hints of truffle and damp earth, along with slightly musty, cellar floor notes. A bit dry on the palate, and chewy in the mouth. There is a rusticity here, in both texture and flavor profile which makes this sort of accessible, but for me it’s a bit too tannic, chunky and rustic. 86pts
Castelli di Grevepesa Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Clemente VII 2016
Oaky and at the same time bisquity, like opening a cigar box and a tin of shortbread cookies at the same time, with the oak winning out quickly. Truffly on entry, followed by plummy fruit, in a fairly nice package, sleek and elegant, but framed with outsized and bitter wood tannins. There’s lovely fruit held within those tannins, crystalline notes of black berry and black currant seep through the bond, but the wood reasserts itself on the moderately long finish. Curious wine with an off putting nose, pleasant midpalate, and slightly too tannic finish. Give it 2 years in bottle and we might be pleasantly surprised. 86pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Piuca 2016
Tight on the nose, stony like walking through a quarry. A little petrichor, some charcoal, and hints of oily black seeds lend complexity to the core of dark, tarry fruit. Smooth on entry, then the fine grained and dusty tannins emerge alongside the sleek, chiseled impression of stony fruit. With great tension and cut in the mouth, this demands time in the bottle. It’s not an easy, giving wine but rather is taut and tight, revealing glimpses of burnished cherry fruit, some dried citrus pith, and a delicate note of earth on the long and tannic finish. Hard, austere, and complex without being tertiary or fruity. Well done. 94pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Fleshy on the nose and wide open with impressive intensity and depth the the hickory nut, coal, black cherry, and smoky aromas. Smooth on the leading edge then this turns taut and transparent in the mouth. Lovely tension here with a tart red fruit core pulled across the palate by pinpoint tannins and well integrated acidity. Clean, pure and vibrant, this is terrific with exceptional persistence to the fruit on the long, tangy finish. Classy and elegant with increasingly apparent complexity, this is on the cusp of drinking well and should keep and improve for 5-8 years. So vibrant and pure Bravo. 97pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2016
Both intensely mineral and intensely leathery on the nose with a cedary edge to the burnished bitter cherry fruit. Smooth and rounded at first, though with vertical and austere tannins arresting the wine’s progress on the palate. Unabashedly traditional in feel, this combines impressively dense fruit with the firm structure, though the acid is a touch light lending this a suggestion of heaviness in the mouth. Powerful, sanguine, and long enough through the finish with its clay and mineral accent, even a touch of bitter almond on the finale. Chewy 92pts
Fattoria di Cinciano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
A bit truffly and with an edge of forest floor on the nose as well as a hint of juniper to the dark berry fruit. Smooth, showing it age, still a bit tannic considering where the fruit is going. This is showing a nuttiness and the leading edge of tertiary character laid over an angular, aggressively tannic and austere base. It’s an old school wine, chewy, rich, powerful, and while it has a lot to offer, the tannins are outsized here and I don’t think even all this fruit will be able to age in parallel with the tannic load. 87pts
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Pio 7 2016
Smells a bit bloody right out of the gate, gently spicy with a hint of tomato even lending complexity to the savory oregano, SDT, and balsamic core of fruit. Small scaled for a Gran Selezione, not trying too hard, but in doing so a distinctive, medium plus bodied wine that shows good elegance with retaining a faintly rustic core. Delicious wine, layered, firm but not hard, gently fruit and notably complex with great subtlety and nuance. I would drink this before many of the other wines here, it’s just seductive with a lovely core of subtly sweet, slight roasted red berry fruit flavors. Perfect tannin/acid balance for near term consumption and ultimately food friendly. 92
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi 2016
Reticent on the nose with a faint halo of wood spice encircling a subtle core of black berry fruit. Moderately rich and decidedly truffly on entry. Not terribly tannic but the tannins are woody and obvious. Nice wine otherwise with freshness and liveliness, a tight core of black fruit and black spice wrapped in a gentle, woody note. The wood clips the finish a bit, but this should improve with another 2 years in bottle. As it is it’s a bit dull and uninteresting, fighting with the wood. 86pts
Le Muricce Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Intensely aromatic, showing deep, plummy fruit as well as the assertive scent of new oak. Dried herbs, baking spices, white truffle, and crushed stone add aromatic complexity. Seamless on entry, theres a bit too much wood tannin here but it’s not offensive and allows the black cherry fruit to emerge on the palate along with great stoniness. Great cut on the palate, and real drive through the finish. I think the fruit might be a little light here, could use more depth and persistence, but the overall package is quite attractive. Not terrible long, but succulent with tart red fruits dominating the backend. Very pleasant if needing another 1-2 years of bottle age. 92pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Etichetta Storica 2016
Lovely red fruited nose has an airy, riverside note to it along with hints of tar, sandy soils, and a defined iris background note. Showing it age appropriately, there are signs of the tannins melting away here, leaving behind a core of biter cherry fruit, with quite complex notes of dried camomile, herbs, a hint of spiciness, that tarriness from the nose and a vague citrusy accent on the moderately long finish. And yet this lacks a certain harmony. Perhaps it’ll come Right now it needs food and I would plan on another 18 months in bottle before trying this again. 91pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2016
Dark, redolent of baked clay, black cherries with hints of peppermint, and dried pork salumi. A powerhouse on entry, but with superb balance and well judged tannins. This is showing signs of early maturity, with its incipient elegance and slowly melting tannins revealing a mouthful of dark cherry and black raspberry fruit backed up with the clay and dried spice notes. The fruit here remains fresh and admirably pure, it’s a touch dense and powerful, but neither clumsy nor extracted feeling and it shows exceptional freshness of fruit. I would have no qualms cellaring this from 10-13 years, though I think in 3 years it’ll be fantastic. 96pts
Tenuta Nozzole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Giovanni Folonari 2016
Aromas of cafe au lait greet the nose along with a subtle meatiness and black berry fruits all laid against a cedary backdrop. Pretty much good to go, the tannins here are mild, acidity bright and juicy with the black cherry, truffle, and dried green herb flavors well balanced and fairly intense. Good length, nice emergence of fine grained tannins on the finish. Not terribly complex but very solid and typical. 91pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015
Gorgeous nose, all Dr. pepper like and very floral at the same time while revealing a core of red currant fruit and showing a bit of a wood spice top note. Nice and taut on the palate with deep, penetrating flavors of savory spices, floral extract, gardenia extract, and small berry fruits. This ends a bit abruptly with powdery, stony tannins and a nice wash of acidity. It’s in a very nice place, still totally fresh and angular, but showing both some softening around the edges and the creeping in of some tertiary character. I would not hesitate to enjoy this now with a fatty steak or wild boar, and over the next 6-8 years. 92pts
Fattoria di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2015
Notes of juniper, salumi, and salted plums grace the nose. A bit soft across the palate as the tannins here have begun to fade, though they do emerge midpalate to lend this firmness. The fruit builds as well, really piling on in a dark, slightly anonymous yet very pleasant way. Tannins actually dominate the long finish here. A chewy mouthful of complex floral laced dark fruit with a sassafras accent note midpalate and some rosehip tones through the moderately long finish. A bit wild, but delicious if powerful and complex which might prove to be a little challenge at the table. 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Celerarium 2015
Hints of leather and steel greet the nose along with polleny floral notes and a faint base of plummy fruit. Even has a hint of diesel, really smells like a garage. A bit compact on entry, tight, superb tannins here, fine grained with just a suggestion of angularity. Dark fruit has depth, chewy tannins, bright acidity, all coming together in the mouth with great freshness and even a youthful character considering the age here. A touch front loaded with fruit, but the freshness of the fruit here is remarkable, and the the finish picks up all sort of mineral complexities and that steelliness found on the nose. This should continue to age very well for a decade or more. Gorgeous wine. 94
ADDENDUM
Chianti Classico Pio 7 2019
Aromas of blood and stone greet the nose followed by spicy dark fruits. Slightly austere, lovely feel tot his very young wines. Spicy on the palate with great herbal nuance lending some complexity to the red fruit. Finishes simply with gentle austerity and a blue floral mineral note. Totally honest, pure Chianti Classico that shows some distinct terroir influence. 90
Querciavalle Chianti Classico 2019*
Strong aromas of earth, hay, and dark fruit leather greets the nose. Ample and broad in the mouth though with a fine mineral edge and plenty of dark, mineral laced berry plummy fruit. The tannins are lovely here, tightly packed fine grained with juicy acidity lending freshness to the clay and gentle spice laced red currant and cranberry fruit flavors. 89pts
Chianti Classico Riserva Pio 7 2016
Smells merloty with cocoa and plum notes early on the nose and a subtle herbaceousness. Round on entry, then turning quite firm though the merlot is very obvious on the palate here as well. It’s anice wine, chewy and rich, but tastes mostly of merlot and has a bit of a heavy, tannic finish to it that’s a bit clumsy. Too tannic. 86
Querciavalle Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
Shows a bit of lingering oak influence on the nose along with bright, black currant and black plum fruit that shows a light pepperiness as well as a hint of diesel. Smooth, really well integrated, rather seamless with layers of flavors, hints of tertiary notes lending additional complexity to the earth, dried herb, and clay soil notes. Good length with quite fine grained tannins. Eminently drinkable at this point, with the balance and freshness to continue to benefit from further aging. Ends on a rich, cocoa note. 91pts
Losi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Millennium 2015
Dark and earthy on the nose with some poppy seed notes, strong floral extract, and some ginseng top notes. Ample and broad in the mouth with lots of bitter cherry fruit that shows good transparency. Still youthful both structurally and flavor profile, this is a lot of wine with good drive and energy through the long finish. Lots of fruit tannins still to be resolved. Lovely cut to the burnished cherry fruit on the long fish which ends with powdery, clay inflected tannins. Complex and nuanced with many years of life ahead but almost ready to drink now. 93pts
Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico 2018
Light and delicate on the nose with braised herb aromas and a touch of hay accenting a sour cherry core of fruit. Light and expressive in the mouth, delightfully structured, just enough to lend firmness and juiciness but not excessive in anyway. The fruit is also quite expressive, shows some river stone notes along side a core or raspberry red cherry fruit. Finishes with some hay and stone accents for a fairly long finish. There’s a slight edge of cherry pie to the whole package but there is no loss of freshness for it. Classic stuff. 91pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2018
Aromas of old wood, mint, licorice, root beer, and tar greet the nose. A little on the richer side, certainly slightly compact and rich with fine grained and relatively sweet tannins. This packs a punch with great intensity of flavors that lean towards the savory end of the spectrum with even a little meatiness thrown in there. The persistence on the palate is terrific and the balance exemplary. A rather distinctive and expertly crafted Chianti Classico. 93pts
Vegi Chianti Classico Francesco Chiostri 2018
Smells like honey, buckwheat honey, along with perfumes of light truffle, fennel pollen, and baked black cherry fruit. A bit sweet on entry, lovely sweetness and breadth on the palate with fine grained tannins supporting what is admittedly very ripe fruit A bit truffly, and the fruit doesn’t even come close to covering the tannins on the finish, but while it’s on the palate this shows well. The honey aromas are incredible. 87pts
Fietri Chianti Classico 2018
Reticent, if perhaps a little peppery on the nose with subtle aromas of wild flowers and wild herbs lending complexity. A bit compact on entry, then this is taut and firm across the palate. Displays lovely, fresh black cherry fruit laid over slight austere tannins. Juicy and pure with unfettered minerality appearing on the backend through the moderately long finish. There’s a fine combination of purity and wildness here. Lovely, bright, vivid wine with terrific cut on the palate. 92pts
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2018
Smells rather strongly of black tea, black currant, and salty minerality. Sweeter and more ample in the mouth than the nose might suggest. This is terrific, full of black cherry fruit with edgy tannins and finely integrated acidity. There are plenty of dried tea, mineral, and herbal accent to this which lend complexity across the exceptionally long finish. Great persistence to the fruit. Not sure Chianti Classico gets any better than this. Delicious and should age well based on the freshness and balance. 94pts
Podere Scheggiolla Chianti Classico 2018*
Rather cola and root beer scented. Smells sweet and a little confected with truffly accents to the core of dark fruit. A bit loose in the mouth, and showing slight edges of tertiary development already. Tired, tannic, and short. A tough slog. 77pts
Earthy mineral and floral on the nose with gentle background fruit. A bit spicy and herbaceous. Bright acids on attack, willowy in the mouth, a lovely balance of gracefulness and nuance wrapped in an elegant package. The fruit is at times both tart red and sweet, a lovely pinpoint of maturity. Tannins are quite ripe, already entirely approachable, probably best in about 18 months and for the following 5-8 years. Lacks only a little length. 90pts
Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino 2019*
Deep on the nose, briary, burl wood, earthy, with dried clay and dried tobacco nuance. A bit chewy up front, front loaded at this point with slightly austere tannin, nice depth to the fruit on the palate, very mineral and taut across the palate. A very mineral and taut expression though this is less revealing today, does have terrific length. Rather slightly high in acid and tannin though at this point. 88pts
Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo 2019*
Deep and profound on the nose with layers of earth, sottobosco, tobacco, briary fruit, slight medicinal notes and mint and clay. Lacks a bit of the flesh I usually find here, but is more elegant and certainly deep and juicy with dark cherry fruit, spiciness that recalls vitamins, ample ripe tannins, cherry skins, length, a bit of muscle on the backend, and fine length to the tobacco laced cherry fruit. Needs about 2 years, maybe three to come into its own. 93pts
Castagnoli Chianti Classico Riserva Terrazze 2019
Complex, slightly savory, soapy floral and roasted chestnut aromas great the nose. Theres a hint of wood influence here, lending a slight cigar box aspect alongside and accentuating the growing floral tones. Fairly open, plenty of acid here, keeps this quite vibrant and juicy. Lovely freshness, a hint of bitterness lingers on the midpalate. This is delicate and fine wit subtle complexity. Already delicious with good length, a wine of nuance and grace. Needs a year if that, already quite delicious and totally approachable. 91pts
Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Nose starts off on a slightly woody note, backed up with sweet licorice and herbal aspects before the slightly jammy and dark fruit appears. Almost ample on entry, certainly broad, and firm, with a slight bit of chew to the palate. This is fairly dark and mysterious for the vintage, with late arriving blackberry tinged fruit flavors, that lead to a rather abrupt finish. Acid is well integrated, theres plenty of freshness here, but it lacks just a bit of vividness. 88pts
Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tight and almost quartzy on the nose, lovely nose is all about soil if not showing fruit at the moment; notes of cologne and rosewood add detail. Light on entry, also quite tight, not terribly complex and a bit short perhaps with a nice palate impression that relies on soil tones and hints of tertiary development. Pleasant but not special, if distinctive. 85pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni 2019
Archetypical Chianti Classico nose, Has the gentle austerity, soil, tobacco, and floral nuances, bright cherry fruit, and assertive dried astringent herbal notes. Lovely balance, a bit rounder in the mouth than I would expect from the nose, but the palate impression is a pure continuation of the aromatics found on the nose, all overlaid above a core of gorgeous minerality and rich but ripe tannins, supported by finely integrated acidity. Finishes a touch short but still a very strong showing that should age nicely for a decade or more. 92pts
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019*
Quite floral with hints of citrus peels, grapefruit and citron, along with fine, slightly dark fruit over a base of sandy soil tones. Gorgeous on entry, not full but filled in and seamlessly textured. This is very lively on the palate, with black cherry skin fruit tones dominant early on the palate. The tannins are seamlessly integrated, but are quite firm and ample. Elegant and refined, with decent length. A fine inner mouth perfume of fruit and flowers emerges with some air. Very classy effort. 94pts
Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Dark earthy notes grace the nose with tobacco and almost a cocoa nib element dominant early on, followed by sottobosco, dried cherry fruit, and pressed floral tones. Lighter in the mouth than the nose suggests. A bit firm on the palate, continuing the dark theme with notes of dark cherry, dried dark herbal nuances, and tobacco note leading to a moderately long, chewy almost aggressive finish. I would like to see a bit more freshness to pair with obvious ageability here, but this is quite classic. 89pts
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Perfumed and hightoned on the nose, slightly autumnal and cranberry/lingonberry toned at the same time. Hints of iris and gentle baking spice notes lending nuance. Elegant and tense on entry, then this really unfurls across the palate opening with a lovely gratefulness revealing delicate red fruits, sandy, salty, soil tones, and fine mineral and herbal accents that lend to a long, austere, and elegant finish. Already approachable, but has plenty of tannins to age well. 94pts
Dievole Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento 2019*
Very austere on the nose, almost quinine toned aromas layered over dark, damp soil, iron rich greens, roses, camphor, and finally some dark cherry fruit tones. Medium full and also quite austere and tannic lending this terrific energy across the palate. Not the most complex but this has a terrific texture if you don’t mind some tannins. Real fine grip through the moderately long finish. Elegant and nervous, neither the most complex not the deepest but with such energy on the palate it’s irresistible. 92pts
San giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole 2019*
Shows a blend of wood influence and astringent green herbs, fruit shows a slight confiture note to the wildberry fruit, The wood continues to grow in influence. Becomes dominant. In the mouth this is bright and juicy, with plenty of tension and less overt wood influence. It reappears on the backend, then fades through the long finish, which shows a hint of heat perhaps but is fairly endless. This has a track record of easily absorbing the wood, so fingers crossed on that front, but the underlying material appears to be quite strong. Needs 3 plus years before it gets going. 92pts
Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 2019
Quite herbal and almost vegetal with notes of hummus, grass clippings, hint of green bean and horseradish. Delicate up front, fine medium weight, ripe but not ripe enough to loose that herbal edge, though ripe enough for the tannins to be mostly supple. Very short. This is bottled, but don’t know when, but based on this might still be suffering, or else a rare misstep here. Good but no better than 85pts
Gagliole Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Deep with slightly jammy wild berry gracing the nose followed by stoney notes and fine hints of tobacco and oily mediterranean herbs. Elegant and fine in the mouth, fluid, not loose, but wide open in an easily approachable style. Good length, has a lovely undercurrent of bitter cherry running through it. Nicely done if in an underrated style. 91pts
La Vigna di San Martino ad Argiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Aromas of saddle leather, old wood, prosciutto, and dark cherry fruit greet the nose, followed by subtle floral notes and a fine astringent note. Really complete nose. Almost chewy on entry, tannic but note aggressively so, fuller bodied, big if a bit angular. Chewy through the midpalate, rich with fruit, herbal accents, mineral undertones, almost palate staining in this company. Acidity offers lift on the backend, followed by a hint of heat perhaps, but not bothersome, then waves of fruit and savory complexity on the long finish. Classic stuff and I love it, but some might object to he less than perfectly clean nose. 95pts
Le Filigare Chianti Classico Riserva Maria Vittoria 2019
Very ripe red fruits, all raspberries and jammy lingonberry are wrapped around a core of splintery raw wood. Nicely focused up front, then the wood tannins kick in here sort of imploding the palate. It’s a bit dense and a bit chewy, not unpleasant but touching very little of the palate, surprisingly narrow, and short with some mintiness gracing the astringent finish. The wood is donating the palate today. 80pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Graceful and pure on the nose, very pretty aromas of crushed fruit, flowers, delicate woodland note, petrichor and a faintly aniseed note all come together with terrific detail. Enters the mouth with delicacy and fairly floats above the palate. This is so relaxed, and elegant, rolls gentle across the palate with fine grained tannins supporting earthy flavors that waver between wild strawberry like fruit and tobacco and stone flavors. The floral aspect grows with air, especially in the mouth, and this seduces with it’s gentle demeanor. 92pt
Maurizio Alongi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Barbischio 2019
Dark and earthy fruit aromas conceal a bit of vanillin and splintery oak on the nose, shows a hint of matchstick as well. Light and quite vertical in the mouth with lean, bright, juicy red fruit covering a certain mossy stoniness on the midpalate. A delicate wine, but likable for its energy and freshness. Lacks a bit of follow through and perhaps shows a hint of heat but fine for what it is. 87pts
Monteraponi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Campitello 2019*
Candied fruit and herb aromas greet the nose, this is decidedly ripe and effusive on the nose, with fine aromas of old wood, clay and stone underpinning the fruit. Delicate on entry, then quite tense and faceted with wonderfully transparent fruit on the palate, red and tart, revealing finely detailed stone, briar pipe, and gentle green herbal nuances lurking underneath. Floats across the palate with terrific cut and salinity. Grande vino. Finishes with a flourish of jammy tart red fruits. 96pts
Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Deep, slightly dark, saffrony aromas greet the nose with hints of green tea, almost a curry like complexity of savoriness, and classic dustiness. Fairly round and generous in the mouth, with great balance and good energy to the palate. This get slightly big and almost a touch clumsy on the midpalate before it pulls back and regains focus through the lovely and fairly fruity finish. Plenty of tannins lend support and keep this firm and long, pulling the dark fruit tautly through the finish. A bit of oily herbs grace the midpalate. Needs another 2-3 years. 94pts
San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio 2019
Lightly aromatic with aromas of stones, braised herbs and spiced cherry fruit, cherries jubilee. Light and fresh in the mouth, with a rim of almost sweet fruitiness offering a contrast. Generous, delicately tannic, with decent length to the cherry fruit, this lacks nothing but at the same time is a bit simple and texturally a touch languid, though it is pleasant with lots of tart red berry fruits and a succulent finish. 88pts
Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Intensely aromatic, all damp tobacco, damp earth, astringent herbs, subtle wood influence, and dark cherry fruit that somehow smells more like a super Tuscan than CCR. Slightly larger scaled but lovely and bright in the mouth with polished tannins supporting transparent and tense cherry fruit and earthy accents. Perhaps more about Sangiovese than the terroir, this is gorgeous with cut, length, persistence of flavor, dark tobacco laced flavors, a well measured dose of oak that is not offensive and contributes plenty of nuance to the flavor profile. A touch chewy, just terrific if in need of 2-3 year in the cellar to peak. 94pts
Bindi Sergardi Chianti Classico Riserva Calidonia 2018
Dense on the nose, earthy and deep with hints of early grey tea, tobacco, dried herbs and a minty top note to the fruit which hints at orchard fruits and wild cherries. Delicate with a very refined feel to the wine. This is seamless with tannins and acids totally integrated into the slightly plush and pillowy fruit. The fruit does however fade on the backend leaving one with some rather dry and slightly woody tannins through the modest finish. The fruit is pleasant as long as it is pleasant but this ends in a rather austere and assertive way. 84pts
Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Damp earth, tobacco, and a huge floral bouquet emerge on the nose followed by hints of cocoa and dark berry fruit . Rather large scaled, ample, deep and broad, a really rich mouthful of fruit, lovely and graceful across the palate featuring fresh fruit, dried herbs, and white soil tones that offer real depth on the palate. Powerful and graceful through the long finish. Classic CCR complete. 95pts
Grevepesa Chianti Classico Riserva Clemente VII 2018
Rather pretty nose, with a certain delicacy tot he dried herb, tobacco, and medicinal nose. A little chewy on entry, and angular even slightly rustic. Lots of acid, a bit chewy, perhaps a bit clumsy as well with plenty of chewy and fresh fruit that powers through a modest finish. Neither complex nor powerful but pleasant 86
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo 2018
Dried fruit and herbs dominate the nose along with wild fennel and other dried herbal aromas. Licorice and carob. Nice cut on the palate, gentle but layered in the mouth with fine juicy fruit, more lingonberry than cherry. Rather refined for this bottling with admirable length, and fine detail. Moderately complex and well balanced with supple but ample tannins. 92pts
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Incredibly aromatic but also smelling decidedly of pyrazine. It’s interesting and complex but stand out here like a sore thumb. It oddly dissipates but remains a background note. Larger scaled, broad shouldered, also here on the palate there is a leafy impression of pyrazine, only a detail but present. Lots of acid, not quite ripe but also ripe enough with old school modest yet austere tannins. Slightly minty through the modest finish, which shows a hint of heat. Not sure what to make of this Decent, quite good even, but atypical. 87pts
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Quite oaky with lots of cigar box character on the nose. Too much for me, lends this sweetness and accentuates the tertiary character, though there is some fine red fruit here. Comes off as a bit Brunello like. A touch languid in the mouth, gently chewy, rich with fruit but at the same time has both the sweetness and spice from the wood filling out the palate, and offering midpalate dryness due to the tannins. Short, slightly hot finish. Needs 2-3 years to come together. 87pts
Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
A bit stinky on the nose, touch of petrochemical, along with forest floor, old tea bag, dried white flowers, and salty stone notes. Intense with no shortage of complexity but not a lot fruit. In the mouth it's a different story, there's a fine edge of sweet red fruit, raspberry and cherry toned, that carries along with it all the savoriness of the nose. The tannins are ripe and gently austere, acid is well integrated. It all builds to quite a crescendo on the long finish. Powerful and terrifically detailed example. 94pts
Valiano Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio Teo 2018
Slightly woody on the nose with a sweet creme de cafe aspect, a hint of red pepper jelly, and lots of jammy lichen tinged, wild berry fruit. A touch loose on entry, though showing decent layers of stone, old wood, and dried tart cherry flavors. Tannins are fine and firm underpinning the palate well, and acid is well integrated leading to a long, carob and toffee framed finish of earthy fruit that ends on a pleasant austere note. 87pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico Riserva Drugo 2018
Sweet black cherry compote greets the nose along with hints of saw dust and carob, and mint chocolate chips. Round, ample and broad shouldered on entry with great depth the red berry fruit and particularly to the carob and herb flavors that drive through the palate. This has great intensity to it. Chewy and mouth filling, then slightly rustic on the long rich finish. A powerful wine but with finesse. Fantastic ripe fruit. Needs another year or two but this is great. 96pts
Istine Chianti Classico Riserva LeVigne 2018
Quite antiseptic on the nose, austere and light. Very well balanced, but a bit folded in on itself right now. Still the purity to the fruit is obvious, tannins are firm but so well measured, juicy and rich with fruit, that falls back under the tannin on the moderately long finish. A tight wine, in need of time to open, but superbly well blanched, and showing hints of its potential. The first wine tasted today that demands cellaring. Start drinking in 2024 91pts
Maurizio Brogioni Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Saddle leather, a bit towards barnyard but in a pleasant way lending complexity to the dark, earthy fruit that is tinged with hints of iodine and seaweed. Silky on entry, then a bit loose on the palate. Lacks some depth and intensity to the flavors, but what is here is pleasant and shows decent persistence with good structural drive on the long, slightly overtly tannic and tart finish. 87pts
Montefioralle Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Crushed stone, sweet carob, and slightly roasted cherry fruit aromas greet the nose. Firm and slightly blocky at first, then this slowly unwinds in the mouth revealing terrifically rich red cherry fruit, ripe tannins, all framed with hints of gunpowder, black tea, and ginseng. The finish is terrific, bright red fruits layered over that firm, stony frame, endless. There’s a poise to this wine which makes it distinctive, and lends this such a vividness. I absolutely love this texture of this wine. A benchmark 96pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico Riserva Borro del Diavolo 2018
Dark on the nose with a hint of torrefaction layered over a base of beeswax, older wood, and sandy soil tones. A touch large up front then this quickly fans out across the palate. Lovely delicacy and transparency to the white cherry, lingonberry, and white chocolate notes on the palate. Slightly chewy tannins lend volume to what is a lighter wine, and help stretch out the finish a bit, though the lends a touch of tertiary character there and doesn't help to hide a hint of heat. Needs 2 years to absorb the modest oak influence but should be very fine. 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Riserva Il Chiorba 2018
Flowers, earth, rust, and dried salumi notes greet the nose. Smooth and rich on entry with the mass of fruit covering the not inconsequential tannins. Powerful with elegance. Just layers of rich, earthy floral and dark berry fruit flavors There’s that tanginess on the backend that leads to a dusty, long, mineral drenched finish so juicy, with such finely polished tannins. Wow, this is showing terrifically today but is all about future promise. So complete and well balanced. 95pts
Pomona Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Quite herbal and floral today with saline and astringent accents on the nose. Playful on entry, this exhibits a tenderness to it and at the same time offers up gorgeously layered red fruits, herbal traces, sandy soil notes and a hint of green tea. Light with sparse yet fine tannins leading to a juicy, moderately long finish. Eminently drinkable though better in a year. Finely detailed. 92pts
Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Sandy and floral on the nose with hints of ginseng and carnauba wax. A bit matte on entry, at least based on the expectations created by the nose. Soft and broad in the mouth, a bit of a let down, good finish where the acid jumps and refreshes the palate, but this lacks detail and comes off as a bit ponderous right now. Perhaps another year in bottle will help, but today this is a let down. 84pts
Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio a Frati 2018
Candied red fruits greet the nose followed by faint green herbal notes and very light wood shadings. This is a bit vague in the mouth, structurally one finds good acids and finely judged, supple tannins, but the fruit is simple, tart red berries, with hints of herbs and some carob note lending complexity through the modest finish. Exhibits good length, and is decidedly fresh and fun to drink 87pts
Tenuta Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva La Forra 2018
Big stony nose with hints of seaweed lending complexity, theres a very gentle wood shading here that perhaps lends some complexity as well as wood spice, but it’s decidedly a background note as this gains herbaceousness with air. Supple and rich on entry with a roundness to the palate. There’s lots of substance here, it’s deep and chewy, but it lacks a certain level of detail. Eminently drinkable however and the layered fruit, stone, and herbal aspects of the wine are quite satisfying, if never challenging. A big dumpling of a wine. 89pts
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Smells pretty oaky, almost to the exclusion of anything else though the red fruit and herbal notes can be found. On entry this is much better than expected, well balanced, slightly higher toned, transparent with a fine bitter cherry fruit present and sitting above the oak influence. Finishes with modest length but good purity to the dark cherry fruit. Once past the oak on the nose this is quite appealing with only a modest oak impression present on the palate. Which should be absorbed within about 18 months. Not my favorite but quite good. 91pts
Val delle Corti Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Tight on the nose, and almost steely with hints of older wood and balsamic notes lending complexity. A touch lean on entry, with no shortage of fruit, but lacking a bit of amplitude perhaps. Nicely firm if modestly scaled structure, keeps this juicy and bright with again modest intensity if nicely detailed flavors of wild cherry, stone, tobacco, and even a bit of blueberry on the moderately long finish. Pleasant and fine but lacking a bit of gravitas, but does it need it? It is ultra delicious and irresistible. should improve over 5-7 years. 92pts
CCR 2017
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Fading oak still lends this a spiciness on the nose which is joined by floral notes and a certain meatiness. Rounded and plump on entry, the wood is less obvious in the mouth, though the tannins do stick out, and this delivers lovely and fresh cherry fruit well framed by hints of incipient autumnal notes and well, not too much else. It’s really about tons of tart cherry fruit, bright acidity, and that oak influence which lends spice and sweetness to temper the acidity. It’s good for what it is, but misses the mark a bit for me. A bit chewy on the moderately long finish as the tannins mount. 88pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
This has such a gorgeous nose, it’s all violets, iris, fennel, a hint of oak, and slow to emerge dark berry and slightly grapey fruit. Velvety on entry, then showing some of its tannic gravitas as it gathers itself on the midplate turning firm and tense while revealing the depth of its flavors. Before gaining fine lift through the backend and on to the long, fine finish with its flourish of floral and herbal elements. Almost at peak and just great if you prefer an edgy and savory wine. Could use just a bit more fruit to cover the structural elements on the finish but that’s picking nits. 94pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Mineral and dusty on the nose, with hints of ivy and basil stems lending complexity to the core of red berry fruits. Taut, even a bit slender in the mouth with a certain elegance that is paired with the assertive bricky, mineral tinged, almost rusty notes. Brick and vitamin flavors lend complexity to the red berry fruit through the finish which reveals both the depth of covering fruit here and the structure. Tannins linger long after the finish. Built a bit like a brick house, this requires a year or two in bottle but is very serious and age worthy stuff. Chewy and powerful if not large scaled. 94pts
Vegi Chianti Classico Riserva Silvio Chiostri 2017
Very complex on the nose with a melange of wood influences, iodine, roasted chestnut, roasted red fruits, nopales. Larger scaled, rich in the mouth with lots of fruit supported by masses of supple tannins. On the chewy side of things. Perhaps a bit too tannic. Pleasant wine, but too tannic with braised herbal and licorice notes on the back end. Perhaps in 4-5 years the tannins will integrate but the likelihood of the fruit remaining until then is slim. 85pts
Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneti La Selvanella 2017
A little wild on the nose, quite polleny, herbal and windswept meadow scented. Fine, delicate red berry fruits emerge on the nose along with a light caramel accent note. Rather open, well balanced, really well put together, everything is in place and well balanced, good fruit but also shows fine herbal nuance, with the polleny note on the nose emerging on the palate as well. Archetypical CCR, lacks some complexity and length but totally satisfying. 90pts
Mannucci Droandi Chianti Classico Riserva Ceppeto 2017
Leathery, barnyard, licorice a touch of cedar, and braised herbs with a menthol edge come together on the nose. Ample wine, quite flamboyant and slightly large scaled in the mouth Lots of dark fruit here is well framed by the savory notes found on the nose. Makes this a bit dark and mysterious. Finishes a bit short and on that cedary note found on the nose with wood tannins drying the palate. Good, but are they trying too hard? 86pts
Podere Scheggiolla Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Pretty complex if quite savory on the nose, with a very interesting array of dried citrus peels, stone, minerality, and green herbal spice notes. Enters the mouth with a fine balance of rich fruit and firm structural elements. In the mouth the acidity emerges lending this brightness, but at the same time carob and sottobosco notes counter that freshness. Tannins are firm and rich, chewy and dominate the finish. The flavors here are a bit too advanced and given the tannic nature of this wine it’s future is in doubt. 83pts
OVERTIME
Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Deep on the nose with aromas of old wood, wax, prosciutto, white pepper and just a hint of orange oil. A touch loose up front then this grows on the palate revealing fine red fruit, plenty of edgy stone and soil notes along with a deep mellowness. The finish shows a reemergence of red fruit and exhibits good length. A bit on the rustic side, but attractively so, with a firmness that bodes well for the future. Still needs 2-3 years but might always be a little austere. 89pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A gentle nose reveals a not inconsequential note of wood spice layered over dark fruit and wild mediterranean wild herbs, Dark on the palate as well, and marked by pencil lead and dark oily herbal notes. Lovely texture, supple fruit covers a firm but not aggressive structural core. Good length, lovely fruit that shows real lift through the moderately long finish. Complex and long with only an abundance of tannins to worry about. Give it another year then serve it with red meat or other fatty foods. 90pts
Le Masse di Greve Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A bit sandy toned on the nose, with white floral top notes and a core of astringent red berry fruit. Almost soft up front, then this turns lovely with acidity serving as much as tannins for structural support. Easy going, juicy medium bodied with fine delicate accent notes lending a bit of complexity. Basically ready to go in a crowd pleasing style. 89pts.
Solatione Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
A touch anonymous on the nose with its orange oil, dark cherry, and ever so slightly oak influenced aromas. A bit loose up front, then this gains its center again, a bit tight but absolutely velvety on the palate, all dark cherry toned with some underlying bitter herbs and fine soil tones. This is perhaps modern styled but with classic tobacco, polleny, and herb accents. Lacks some of the typical brightness but is very good. 91pts
Chianti Classico 2020
Buondonno Chianti Classico 2020*
Fresh, menthol laced fruity aromas though not really that fruity, more stone and menthol. Juicy and rich, and on the palate as well. This is fruity but not really frooty, very classic, high acid, angular tannin Chianti Classico. Needs food, a throwback wine though squeaky clean. Boy does this need food. 90pts
Castellare in Castellina Chianti Classico 2020
A little petrichor makes this very floral bouquet smell of a stroll through a meadow after the rain. Really quite profound and gorgeously perfumed. Slightly soft and broad at first, with fine inner mouth perfumes of all that grassy goodness. Juicy bright and vivid with very small red berried fruit. A very exciting wine to drink now and over the next 3-5 years. 92pts
Castelgreve Chianti Classico 2020
Slightly darker fruit profile with some bruised apple tones and an underlay of earth and oyster shells.. Rather large scaled and languid in the mouth. There’s a lot of earthy fruit here and a fair amount of tannin, it veers over towards CCR structurally with good length and brightness, but it lacks the vivid immediacy I like in CC. 87pts
Castello di Albola Chianti Classico 2020*
Deep and very fruity with a cherry compote sort of nose, smells like the barrel sample it is. A touch of flint graces the nose. Packed with fruit, though remaining bright enough. This is almost luscious, as luscious as one can expect Chianti Classico to get at least. Up front it’s a fruit bomb that gains some minerality and focus through the moderately long finish. Big, fun wine. 88pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 2020
Low on the nose, tobacco laced with hints of menthol, tea bag, dried lemon, and a faint green herbal note. Smooth, velvety smooth, ripe with supple tannins, tempted to call that elegant, but it’s more than that, almost languid but with fine depth and nuance, it’s not facile. A touch chewy on the fairly long finish, decidedly sophisticated take on Chianti Classico. 91pts
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico 2020*
Wow, this has incredible perfumes right now with violet and almost cinnamon like notes vying for one’s attention over the pool of ripe red fruits and oily mediterranean herbal notes. Sweet tart on entry, then turning slightly tart and ever so slightly bitter with bitter cherry and herb flavors competing for attention. Powerful in a way, not overweight but deep, slightly chewy and exceptionally vinous. Could improve over the next 2-3 years but this is already a fantastic Chianti Classico. Not really sure how it gets better. 94pts
Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020
Deep, slightly briary and antiseptic nose shows good depth and intensity. Rounded, comes off as almost sweet due to the masses of fruit, then the acidity kicks in and this turns quite bright and juicy. It’s in a slightly earthy register which adds a little tobacco to the mix already and lends the fruit a bit of a truffle, darkness to it but this is quite good in a slightly atypical style. 91pts
Volpaia Chianti Classico 2020
Delicate and high toned, as much about sand as it is about delicate red fruit and flowers. Round and supple in the mouth, with lovely delicacy and purity of fruit. This is totally transparent, almost diaphanous, with a lovely caressing quality to the fruit. Tannins are quite modest, delicious, slightly smaller scaled wine that is ready to and easy to drink. 91
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2020
Slightly aggressive in the nose, shows a hint of oak but also some deep cocoa, polleny floral, and herbal undertones. Smooth at first before the tannins kick in, this is a bit big for its britches, lots of stuff here, and it needs some age to temper the tannins and allow for the wine to integrate but I’m not sure this is sufficiently different from CCR. It’s a very good wine, lots to like, powerful, deep, and chewy, but it lacks the brightness and immediacy of CC. 88pts
Nunzi Conti Chianti Classico 2020
A different take on Sangiovese, menthol top notes, then this turns a bit tarry and meaty on the nose with a hint of jasmine to the bloody core. Intense, deep and flavorful with that bloodiness and jasmine note opening on the palate along with slightly plummy fruit and amazing pure floral inner mouth perfumes that linger over the long finish. Wow this is good, it has it all, power without being powerful, structure without being tannic, and layers of wonderfully pure and fresh terroir driven fruit flavors. Drink this all day. 94pts
San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico 2020*
So much liquory fruit on the nose, all wild cherry and black raspberry toned paired with pencil shavings and dark, charcoally earth. Broad and supple in the mouth, a bit of a languid pool of dark fruit, this lacks some of the brightness and vividness of its peers, and could use a bit of time in bottle being fairly durable but at the same time it delivers tons of dark berry fruit, earthiness, mineral nuance with a slightly tarry top note. It’s a lot of wine, but lacks the brightness of the best, but is very impressive. Finishes a touch short. 91pts
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2020*
Delicate and a bit sandy with some dune like grassy, saline aromas. Dried floral notes, a touch of iris. Almost soft at first, but this is never soft, fine supporting acids keep this lively, and fine grained tannins lend this volume in the mouth. A bit chewy and in need of another 6 months in the bottle, but this is already rather complex and nuanced in the mouth. Really deep wild berry, almost boysenberry fruit drapes across the palate and through the long finish. 93pts
Istine Chianti Classico 2020
Shows delicacy and complexity on the nose with nuanced aromas of crushed stone, wild flowers, some green citron peel, and a note of crushed thyme. Soft and ample with enough acid to slice through the fruit on the palate. Almost edgy, but theres just enough fruit to thrust this in a slightly more languid direction. Deep with a hint of blood lending complexity to the crushed stone and wild cherry core. Good length and resonance to the fruit on the finish. Slightly chewy here, more of an intellectual wine. Contemplative. 92pts
Filigare Chianti Classico 2020*
Sweet, dark fruit greets the nose followed by minty braised herbs and some sandy soil tones soapy floral. A bit loose in the mouth, languidly drifting across the palate. This has good depth and richness but lacks some detail and definition and is built more on its persistent tannins than brightening acidity. A bit short as well. 86pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico 2020*
Aromas of caramel and carob greet the nose followed by a quincy note. Delicate in the mouth, certainly acid driven, easy going but the flavors are definitely showing too advanced. The finish picks up a bit but this is both too young and a touch tired. Tried twice. 82pts
L'Erta di Radda Chianti Classico 2020*
Tight, all cranberry, lingonberry and crushed stone on the nose. Rich with soft fruit and tiny, pinpoint tannins leading to a bit of a mouth filling feel here, though this remains quite modestly scaled. Good depth on the palate does not extend for very long on the finish which is mostly dominated by dusty crushed rock aspect of the flavor profile. Masculine, if sinewy, this could use another 6-8 months to relax, and has the focus and verve to be excellent then. It’s not easy going but is a very fine example. 92pts
Maurizio Brogioni Chianti Classico H'Amorosa 2020
All earth, tea, and tobacco on the nose, quite profoundly intense but also quite savory. This is downright plush in the mouth The savory herbal flavors translate directly to the palate, where they are joined by some slightly plummy fruit. There’s even a truffly note here, what a curious wine! Totally attractive if atypical, I would be hesitant to recommend this as Chianti Classico but do find it enjoyable and even more so interesting. Finishes with good length and lots of dusty, mineral tannin notes. 90pts
Monteraponi Chianti Classico 2020
Very high toned tobacco element greets the nose followed by saffron notes, a hint of chestnut then lots of iris and flowery aromas. Theres a fine interplay of tension and fruit here on the palate. The fruit is delicate, red cherry toned, transparent and gauzy, all underpinned by this marvelous sweet, yet ripe tannins. A wine of delicacy and grace that hides away it’s structure. Really delicious, not terribly intense so food pairings need to be carefully considered lest the wine be lost, so stuff a veal breast with more morels and be done with it. 91pts
Morino Chianti Classico 2020*
Sweetly fruited on the nose with a hint of black currant lending complexity to the spicy array of aromatics. A bit of salumi creeps in here as well along with some dark, earthy fruit. Sweetly fruity on entry, really kind of a fruit bomb though in the best possible way. Juicy, black cherry skins, hints of pepperiness, supple tannins, good length fruit driven finish. This is refined, and fruity with lovely austerity to the tannins that lend this a rather river stone note on the palate and through the long finish. Fruity and zesty. 92pts
Podere Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2020
Light and airy, smells almost like mineral water with wild cherry and red currant juices added. A touch compact in the mouth, though with good energy and terrific depth. There's a hint of almost mushroominess here already lending completely to what is already a complex and nuanced flavor profile, rich with fresh\ly turned earth, bitter cherry, and very old wood flavors. Long and with great cut on the finish. Slightly rustic but attractively so. Gaining floral notes with air. Very well balanced and harmonious if rustically flavored. 92pts
Poggio Scalette Chianti Classico 2020
Deep and refined on the nose, sophisticated even with sort of the treatment of oak aging without the aromatic impact. There’s an underlying sweetness here, it’s just seductive, all paired with fresh leather, cherry fruit, and a bit of cinnamony, big-red like fruit. Smooth, polished, with wispy streaks of herbs running through this seamless sphere of red fruit that has sandy soil tone and saffron notes wrapped in its core. It is not what i think when I think of Chianti Classico, being both more polished and denser, but it is a fascinating and unique expression of sangiovese that is more sophisticated than most. Great stuff. 93pts
Poggerino Chianti Classico 2020
Dedicate on the nose, quite violet driven aromas with hints of blue fruits, and black tea. Smooth and juicy, almost playful but has enough substance to lend it at least the appearance of seriousness. Deep, satisfying, and turning slightly savory on the finish, this is Chianti Classico Cashmere. Everything is where it’s supposed to be, not a thing out of place. One could wish for a touch more acid but this is stylish as it is, with a gratefulness that offsets it’s softness. 91pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico 2020
Earthy and forest floor aromas dominate the nose, intensely and with a hint of dirtiness to boot. Rich juicy powerful example of Chianti Classico with just tons of sweet, if dark cherry fruit on the palate. It’s a touch short, and the acidity really drives the tart finish, but if the fruit can extend itself with some more time in the bottle, this could be great. As it is it’s a bit of a fruit bomb, though with plenty of earthy complexity. The fruity is already showing a bit of sneaky length. 89pts
San Felice Chianti Classico 2020
A bit diffuse on the nose, not unpleasant but the fruit, baking spice, mineral, and soil aromas are both delicate and lacking detail. The palate is similar, it’s a lovely, playful wine, easy to drink, and easy to understand with good acidity and modest tannins. Juicy and delicious though not challenging in any way. 87pts
Terra di Seta Chianti Classico 2020
Reticent on the nose, smells compact with a minor wood influence covering modest fruit and herbal notes. Smooth, juicy, a bit of a two step though. There’s some substance and incipient chocolate tones emerging in the background, lending some lusciousness here, which does extend nicely over the rather long finish which shows off the fine grained tannins here. You have to play along here, attention is rewarded, though this is a wine more of subtlety. 88pts
Chianti Classico 2019
Fontalpino Chianti Classico 2019
A little citrussy and red fruited on the nose with classic, dusty soil tones and perhaps a touch of iodine. Juicy to the max, enough fruit to balance it out, though the fruit is of the tart red variety, red currant and raspberry. Tannins are super delicate but lend some dusty firmness to the modest finish. Pleasant and easy going, if in a traditional vein. 87pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico 2019
Floral, pollen, beeswax, and iris, come together to lend detail to the core of wild red berry fruit here. Juicy and bright, fine grained tannins, lovely lithe texture here, everything is so easy going, but together it’s all rather intense. Nuanced flavors are delicate but pile up on one another, the tannins are fine grained but abundant, as is the acidity, leading to an intense and long, dusty and deep experience. 93pts
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2019
High toned and slightly woodsy on the nose, Smooth and a touch compact in the mouth, though with lovely earthy dark cherry/berry flavors that lead to a long, juicy finish. It’s a touch earthy and a touch rustic in style but very much what should be expected from a Chianti Classico. 86pts
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico 2019
Pure fruit greets the nose, all cherry/berry/mulberry scented. Very subtle details of pipe briar, mineral salts, and limestone lend detail. Soft and supple on entry, easy drinking in style though totally traditional in feel and flavor. Shows a little bloodiness on the palate, with good length and real clarity to the fruit. It’s not terrible complex but is what most people think of when the think of Chianti Classico. 91pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2019
Reticent on the nose though it does have a sort of fruit punch type of fruitiness to it. Smooth and a touch matte in the mouth, lacks some juiciness though does have an attractive mineral aspect to offer contrast to the pleasant fruit. The finish reveals sufficient acidity and modest tannin. Easy going, good choice of a BYG program. 86pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 2019
Clay and mineral notes great the nose along with briary woody, brambly fruit, and soapy floral top notes. A bit edgy in the mouth, clear on the palate with good complexity and a lovely, slightly astringent, but rounded and easy going mouthfeel. This is classic slightly rustic, decidedly austere Chianti Classico that calls out for a good bistecca. It’s not terribly fruity, but has lots of flavor and offers up a certain intensity in a classic CC cut with a hint of bitterness on the finale. 90pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico 2019
Very fragrant, lots of sottobosco, damp earth, and tobacco on the nose along with spicy, almost jumper scented dark berry fruit. Powerful and deep, but not terribly weighty on the palate with lots of stiff little tannins and plenty of acidity to keep this fresh and juicy. Decent length sees the earthy fruit on the palate dissipate slightly to reveal more of that spicy character found on the nose. A bit of an aggressive, challenging style. 88pts
Fontodi Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole 2019
Delicate and high toned floral nose. Rather delicate on entry as well, while showing good fruit on the midpalate, this retains the delicacy associated with Lamole. There’s a suppleness to the tannins, and then the wine finishes with strong floral, polleny character and a subtle bitterness coming from the rich earthiness of the wine. Almost with a tarry aspect. A bit too tannic though in this vintage. 89pts
Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico 2019
Fairly fruity on the nose with decidedly woodsy overtones and a hint of sagey herbal quality. Juicy, easy going, very easy going in fact. There is pleasant red berry fruit here, more currant than cherry, and gently complicating hints of woodland spice and floral notes, with a fine, juicy finish. It’s another easygoing, if complete style that would be ideal for a BYG program. 85pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Lamole 2019
Intensely antiseptic on the nose, all chalk, quinine, nettles, and that almost minty quality that develops into a more balsamic tone with time. Soft, pillowy, delicate nuanced wine. It’s another beast entirely from what we’ve been tasting. The flavor profile is similar, but this as seen through a fog, or clouds. Absolutely delicious and pure, more a wine to savor than to pair at the table, but there it would do well with delicate dishes. Tortellini with butter and sage perhaps. 91pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Terra di Lamole 2019
More balsamic and woodsy than its sibling bottle. Subtle, yet well defined with more dried cherry and leather notes as well. A little less gauzy than its sibling, better defined in the mouth and more exciting as well. This is vibrant and delicious, with tons of cherry fruit, gently framed with balsamic and floral tones. The tannins are a sliver dry, but so feathery they barely are noticeable until the finish. Just terrific balance and equilibrium. Far exceeds expectations for what a Chainti Classico should be. If Quintarelli made Chianti Classico? 94pts
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2019
A touch weedy on the nose, lacking some intensity as well perhaps, though it does reveal some nice candied cherry tones with air. Easy going, soft, supple wine that lacks a bit of brightness perhaps, though it has plenty of acidity it somehow does quite translate to juiciness here. It is totally buffered by the sweet richness of the fruit on the palate which will undoubtedly be more to other consumer’s preferences than mine. For me it’s just a bit to sweet and fruity. 88pts
L'Erta di Radda Chianti Classico 2019
Smells muscular, cologne like, nutty and dark with moist earth and baked cherry/berry fruit. Smooth and rich on entry, lots of wine here, full of sweet, ripe fruit, intense acidity and fine supporting tannins.This is just intense, it’s a great wine, but not what I necessarily want from a Chianti Classico. It’s almost super Tuscan in style, with great cut on the backend and a long, linear finish. It would benefit from some time in the cellar, though today it would pair well with a steak. It’s the sort of wine that totally over delivers, yet somehow misses the mark for me. 93pts
Montefioralle Chianti Classico 2019
Quite floral and stoney on the nose with hints of licorice and medicinal herbs lending complexity. Rather supple early on the palate, though it shows wonderful depth to its black cherry skin fruit flavors. There's a fine mineral wash to this that draws out the finish, just terrific if slightly sneaky wine that gains more sanguine notes with air and subtle salumi notes as well. A gourmand wine, love to have this with myriad foods. Classic Chianti Classico that is slightly denser than one might expect. 92pts
Nittardi Chianti Classico La Doghessa 2019
Gorgeous nose redolent of pine woods, forest floor, campfire, a hint of toasted marshmallow, and some candied cherries with a hint of bouquet garni. Rich and with a certain sense of polish though this doesn’t lose it’s grip. Deep and almost savory, though the fruitiness wins out in the end, finishing moderately long with floral and sanguine notes on the finale. Starts out strongly then peters out a bit. 90pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico 2019
Cherry juice is joined by high toned balsamic notes and sandy soil tones on the nose. There’s a hint of newer wood here as well, lending some complexity. All cherry juice early on the attack, and this is surprisingly soft through the midpalate, where it grabs the palate assertively with tannins and licorice tinged slightly bitterness, all clipping the finish somewhat. Chewy and a bit rustic, 86pts
Podere Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2019
Almost grapey on the nose with lots of dark cherry fruit joined by balsamic hints, minty notes, sagey herbal accents and a sweet, sassafras underlay. Delicate but medium full in the mouth, this is supple and tender if not soft by any means. Deep and savory on the palate, with lots of sandy notes, polleny flower toned, a hint of ginseng and a finishing note of tea with a hint of honey. Lovely expression of Chianti Classico 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico 2019
Slightly inky and certainly violet driven on the nose with hints of blood and mineral salts lending detail. Soft at first, then the fruit rolls in on a wave. Powerfully fruity with tannins that are very finely rendered. Good acidity lends this a succulence on the moderately long finish. Rich but not weighty, deep and fairly long with a fine layered of flavors, fruit, spice, tobacco, and finally a bloody finale. Tannins are crystalline. Outperforms its class and will age very well for 5-8 years. 93pts
Poggerino Chianti Classico Nuovo 2019
Has a light impression of oak to it, mostly rather fruity and high toned. Very fruity on entry, lots of plump, fresh fruit here. There’s a hints of licorice, of black pepper that lends some spiciness here, but in generally we have a fruit bomb with lovely savory undertones and a decent length finish. There’s a touch of heaviness to this, lacking a bit of acidity or perhaps that’s all that there is, makes this feel a bit chewier than it is. Very good and certainly going to be a crowd pleaser, but not my style. 87pts
Pomona Chianti Classico 2019
Rather high toned and perfumed on the nose with incipient balsamic character, A little plump, pleasantly fruity but the fruit here is on the leaner, transparent side revealing lovely underlaying detail. Juicy. Tannins are ripe and fine grained if not polished, lending this a gentle rusticity in the best possible way. It’s delicious and easy to drink, with good complexity with it’s slightly saline soil tones and gentle flush of tobacco and dried herbal accent, but not too challenging. Finishes with a faint hint of cinnamony spiciness. Lovely. 91pts
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2019
A little sweet nougat wood greets the nose along with aromas of wet clay, damp earth, a little vitamin powder and dark, almost plummy fruit. The oak grows in importance and while it is not totally dominant it is the main characteristic at this point. Lots of acid here, it overshadows even the wood tannins on the finish. In the mouth this retains admirable transparency, with well managed fruit tannins, lending a firmness to what is a fairly elegant wine. The fruit flavors are riper than the feel of the wine, with notes of licorice, plum, and black cherry on the palate. Has a gently nuanced feel with a modest finish. Quite refined and approachable if better with an additional 2-3 years of bottle age. 92pts
Riecine Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Dark and earthy with slight herbal streaks through the slightly peppery dark berry fruit laid over hints of quinine and crushed rock. Smooth, quite ample up front before the acids and dusty tannins kick in. The tannins are angular and fresh, lending some energy to what feels like a quite ripe and slightly heavy finish. Fruits have a liquory edge to them, very attractive in their sweetness, and depth, with tons of acid lending cut to the moderately long finish where the fruit takes on a much fresher red berry strawberry, red currant tone. Delicious already, this will improve with an additional 5-7 years in bottle. 92pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2018
A touch closed on the nose, with some background wood notes emerging with air, followed by sweet, almost candied black berry fruits, toast, and a touch of smoke. Smells like breakfast. Bright and juicy with austere tannins early on the palate. Very well balanced, this shows lovely depth and density without excessive weight. Retains an edge of Tuscan wildness to it with wild berry fruit flavors, a lovely edge of dustiness, and a long, succulent finish with playfully polished tannins and finely integrated acidity. Can be enjoyed today but deserves another 2-3 years in bottle to really show it’s best. 93pts
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Berardo 2018
Leather and cigar wrap notes pop from the glass followed by a gentle old wood sweet spice notes and candied blackberries. Juicy with slightly stiff tannins, this really is quite bright and lithe this vintage. With a pleasant astringency underpinning everything, this has the feel of classic Chianti Classico, right through the moderately long, stony finish. There’s a pleasant earthiness at the core here, which, along with a tea note and incipient tobacco note, offers good complexity. Absolutely palate cleansing at this stage and probably better over the next 5 years than the following 5. 91pts
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2018
Almost saline on the nose at first, then showing a lovely blend of mediterranean herbs, quartzy minerality, and rich cherry fruit all wrapped gently in hint of cigar box. In the mouth this offers a fine blend of flesh, brightness, depth and tension. Really driven by the spice and stone notes here which are amplified by the dusty tannins that coat the mouth. While tannic, this remains very well balanced with that cigar box note drawing out the finish. Rather elegant across the plate and offering both immediate appeal but also great promise for the future. The fruit here is really so fresh. 94pts
Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna 2018
Deep savory tones meld with rich fruit on the nose, shows great intensity and complexity with aromas of medicinal herbs, black cherry, fresh leather, and hints of black pepper. A touch languid in the mouth after the promise of the nose. Rich, and veering towards soft with moderate acids but tons of stony, mineral inflected tannins offering structural support. A throwback wine, Chianti Classico as it was last century. The nose continues to gain complexity, while the palate never succeeds in breaking the tannic bonds. Chewy, dense, and fairly powerful, this needs 3-4 years in the bottle but doesn’t seem to have the freshness of fruit to last that long. 90pts
Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna La Fornace 2018
Quite intensely aromatic though retaining a certain delicacy to the perfumes of red currant, blue flowers, quince paste, older wood, and a minty, herbal top note. Very well integrated, this has a certain mass to it but retains great freshness with playful, yet slight angular and austere tannins offering wonderful support to the crushed raspberry/currant fruit of the palate. It perhaps lacks a touch of complexity, though truffly notes along with hints of carob and cigar tobacco creep in on the backend before this returns to a rather pure and delightful red currant finish of impressive persistence. Theres a subtle blueberry note that emerges slowly as well, along with a real dusty tone accompanying the tannins. Would benefit from another 6-8 months in bottle then enjoy over the next 5-10 years. 94pts
Dievole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina 2018
A slender yet aggressive vein of oak pairs with sour plum fruit on the nose to make for an unusual start here. Turning increasingly floral with air, this is quite unusual with an almost grafite,, black spice edge to it. Tight and incredibly focused with very densely packed fine grained tannins offering firmness and support on the palate. Slight Bordelaise in feel, this is impressive and obviously they are trying to make a statement with this wine. It’s tight, so shows not to its advantage in this crowd, but it is impressive and distinctive. With great cut and focus through the long, finish rich with fruit tannins. Plummy on the palate and with only subtle complexity at this point I would wait for this, give it a year or two and then check in again but I am impressed. SuperTuscan in style. 93pts
Santo Stefano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Slightly nutty and sweet on the nose though with lots of floral extract, darkly earthy, and peppery nuance. A bit chewy and dense on entry, shows perhaps a bit too much extraction, it’s muscular and rich but tannic and dense at the same time. Full of black cherry fruit with dark earth and slightly braised herbal accent notes, it comes off as clumsy and over extracted. A bit of a black hole. 87pts
Felsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2018
The nose is rich with scents of india ink, herbal extract, and baked black fruits. Shows a hint of oak on entry, followed by a dark, hard core of black fruit. It’s tannic and firm, with huge impressions of stoniness on the midpalate that leads to a long, dusty finish. This is all about potential, it’s fresh, powerful, and well balanced with a certain degree of elegance discernible, but at the same time this is made to be cellared and demands 3-5 years of further ageing. It’s a bit super Tuscan in feel, but shows impressive potential. 93pts
Gagliole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule 2018
Smoky and slightly milky on the nose, with hints of campfire, black currant fruit, and scorched earth. A touch of sweetness greets the tongue, followed by a tight, linear wine, quite taut and focused, with wood tannins marring the midpalate but otherwise this is quite pretty. The wood tannins ruin the wine for me, they are very aggressive and invasive, drying the palate and clipping what seems to be a potentially long finish. This will improve as the oak integrates, it usually does, warranting a higher score, but for my palate this is a tough call given the state of the competition. 88pts
I Fabbri Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Smells like gardening. Hands in the earth, weeding, clipping flowers gardening. There’s a touch of old wood that returns us to the vinous world but this is not your typical CCGS. Slightly broad on entry, with polleny floral tones and an incipient truffly note early on the palate. Theres breadth here on the palate, but also delicacy and detail through the fairly long finish. Cleansing acidity and some slightly austere tannins lend length to the finish. Easy going but not facile, lovely nuanced wine with it’s polleny tones, sour red berry cherry fruit and soil driven savoriness. 93pts
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lorenzo 2018
Wow, what intense aromatics, a big bowl of cherries, older wood, talc, a hint of green freshness and white pepper greet the nose. Smooth, and at first not as exuberant as one might expect given the nose, but this is low and seductive in the mouth, with plenty of acid and yet this doesn’t pop but rather floats along across the palate with the finest grained tannins, a touch of woodiness, and lovely peeks of tertiary development to come. A lovely, somewhat tight on the palate wine, which is the definition of understatement at this level. Long, and very attractive. Will benefit from another 18 -24 months in bottle. 94pts
Le Miccine Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
Fine and elegant aromatics featuring hints of grass and hickory emerging from the glass followed by crystalline blackberry fruit, some smokiness, and a rich soil tone. Oh my, this is it, crystal clear on the palate, elegant and fine, with the most seductive mouthfeel. The fruit is gorgeously pure, black cherry and blackberry toned, followed by remarkably detailed soil, stone, and black tea notes, all leading to a focus, sapid finish. So refined, elegant, and yet with a sense of power and perfectly judged tannins that are fresh and firm. Stunning wine, could be perfect with another year or two of bottle age. 98pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Rocco 2018
Profoundly aromatic, deep and earthy with cherry pie, sage, and chestnut aromas. Smooth and almost supple in the mouth, broad with incipient truffle notes. A lovely classic example of Chianti Classico, slightly chewy and rich but retaining good clarity on the palate, though it does drop off on the backend, leaving a persistent tannic impression in its place. This should age well and find it’s equilibrium. 91pts
Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Zac 2018
Reticent on the nose with slow to emerge dusty and herbal aromas along with candied black cherry lozenge notes. Smooth and matte in the mouth. Has the same rather simple black cherry lozenge and herb flavors in the mouth. Dull lacking length and height on the palate. Has some substance, so should improve but just lacks liveliness at this point. 87pts
Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Tommaso 2018
Reticent on the nose with some dusty cellar aromas, along with dark plummy fruit and an emerging layer of raw wood. Smooth but focused, with fine cut on the palate. Here one finds fine grained tannins lending support to a bright palate which features subtle flavors of plum, black cherry, and wood spice. A more incisive wine than the Zac, this shares it’s general matte feel, with a bit more wood influence noticeable with the tannins, but also with better verve and liveliness. 89pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Piuca 2017
Wow, gorgeous nose at first reminiscent of Dr. Pepper or root beer. Intense with blue floral notes and lots of subtle medical herbal accents, along with salted plum fruit and a mineral underlay. Lovely in the mouth, leads with a rush of fruit followed by the balanced but pronounced tannin and acid structure which is firm but lacy. Very transparent, long, succulent wine with great energy in the mouth. The finish shows plenty of violet, dried orange rind, and medicinal herb notes, which are joined by a sheen of plummy and red currant fruit on the midpalate. Lots of energy here, and great cut on the long finish which shows off some willowy tannins. 96pts .
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio 2017
A little dark on the nose, recalls poppy seeds along with hints of leather, gardenia, preserved lemon and dark, bitter cherry fruit. Bright, lots of acid here, and very focused but the acid is just a bit dominant. A nice subtle chewiness help to buffer the acidity, but this is tart right through the long finish. Subtle flavors, again the poppy seeds along with small black cherry fruit and some soil tones that all sort of evaporate on the modest finish. These bottles could have been open from yesterday so it’s tough to say whats going on with this, but it’s a bit lean and ordinary for Il Poggio. 90pts
Villa Calcinia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano 2017
Deep and luxurious smelling with a coating of sweet, expensive oak wrapped around a core of plummy fruit featuring accents of jasmine, green tea, and wild fennel. It smells terrific. Smooth and round in the mouth, theres a lot of substance here but its well supported by the harmonious structural elements. Lovely intensity to the fruit, and this really is quite tannic with soft fruit tannins, but still is a bit mouth puckering, in a pleasant way. Air brings the wood on the nose to the fore, but somehow this remains fruit driven with exotic accents found on the nose joined by clay notes on the back end and through the finish. Give it 18-24 months for the oak to better integrate then be surprised by this for another 5-10 years or more. 94pts
Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Really dull and oaky on the nose. Raw with lots of underlying red berry fruit but oak dominant. Smooth and edgy early on the palate. Juicy in the mouth where the oak is well balanced by slight chewy, rich fruit. But here to the wine comes off as unbalanced and unformed, too tannic and lacking harmony. Very tannic. JR
San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio 2017
Shale and oily notes greet the nose followed by damp tobacco, braised fennel, and pressed floral notes. Bright and lively on entry, with some older wood notes early on the palate followed by hints of truffle and damp earth, along with slightly musty, cellar floor notes. A bit dry on the palate, and chewy in the mouth. There is a rusticity here, in both texture and flavor profile which makes this sort of accessible, but for me it’s a bit too tannic, chunky and rustic. 86pts
Castelli di Grevepesa Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Clemente VII 2016
Oaky and at the same time bisquity, like opening a cigar box and a tin of shortbread cookies at the same time, with the oak winning out quickly. Truffly on entry, followed by plummy fruit, in a fairly nice package, sleek and elegant, but framed with outsized and bitter wood tannins. There’s lovely fruit held within those tannins, crystalline notes of black berry and black currant seep through the bond, but the wood reasserts itself on the moderately long finish. Curious wine with an off putting nose, pleasant midpalate, and slightly too tannic finish. Give it 2 years in bottle and we might be pleasantly surprised. 86pts
Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Piuca 2016
Tight on the nose, stony like walking through a quarry. A little petrichor, some charcoal, and hints of oily black seeds lend complexity to the core of dark, tarry fruit. Smooth on entry, then the fine grained and dusty tannins emerge alongside the sleek, chiseled impression of stony fruit. With great tension and cut in the mouth, this demands time in the bottle. It’s not an easy, giving wine but rather is taut and tight, revealing glimpses of burnished cherry fruit, some dried citrus pith, and a delicate note of earth on the long and tannic finish. Hard, austere, and complex without being tertiary or fruity. Well done. 94pts
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Fleshy on the nose and wide open with impressive intensity and depth the the hickory nut, coal, black cherry, and smoky aromas. Smooth on the leading edge then this turns taut and transparent in the mouth. Lovely tension here with a tart red fruit core pulled across the palate by pinpoint tannins and well integrated acidity. Clean, pure and vibrant, this is terrific with exceptional persistence to the fruit on the long, tangy finish. Classy and elegant with increasingly apparent complexity, this is on the cusp of drinking well and should keep and improve for 5-8 years. So vibrant and pure Bravo. 97pts
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2016
Both intensely mineral and intensely leathery on the nose with a cedary edge to the burnished bitter cherry fruit. Smooth and rounded at first, though with vertical and austere tannins arresting the wine’s progress on the palate. Unabashedly traditional in feel, this combines impressively dense fruit with the firm structure, though the acid is a touch light lending this a suggestion of heaviness in the mouth. Powerful, sanguine, and long enough through the finish with its clay and mineral accent, even a touch of bitter almond on the finale. Chewy 92pts
Fattoria di Cinciano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
A bit truffly and with an edge of forest floor on the nose as well as a hint of juniper to the dark berry fruit. Smooth, showing it age, still a bit tannic considering where the fruit is going. This is showing a nuttiness and the leading edge of tertiary character laid over an angular, aggressively tannic and austere base. It’s an old school wine, chewy, rich, powerful, and while it has a lot to offer, the tannins are outsized here and I don’t think even all this fruit will be able to age in parallel with the tannic load. 87pts
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Pio 7 2016
Smells a bit bloody right out of the gate, gently spicy with a hint of tomato even lending complexity to the savory oregano, SDT, and balsamic core of fruit. Small scaled for a Gran Selezione, not trying too hard, but in doing so a distinctive, medium plus bodied wine that shows good elegance with retaining a faintly rustic core. Delicious wine, layered, firm but not hard, gently fruit and notably complex with great subtlety and nuance. I would drink this before many of the other wines here, it’s just seductive with a lovely core of subtly sweet, slight roasted red berry fruit flavors. Perfect tannin/acid balance for near term consumption and ultimately food friendly. 92
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi 2016
Reticent on the nose with a faint halo of wood spice encircling a subtle core of black berry fruit. Moderately rich and decidedly truffly on entry. Not terribly tannic but the tannins are woody and obvious. Nice wine otherwise with freshness and liveliness, a tight core of black fruit and black spice wrapped in a gentle, woody note. The wood clips the finish a bit, but this should improve with another 2 years in bottle. As it is it’s a bit dull and uninteresting, fighting with the wood. 86pts
Le Muricce Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Intensely aromatic, showing deep, plummy fruit as well as the assertive scent of new oak. Dried herbs, baking spices, white truffle, and crushed stone add aromatic complexity. Seamless on entry, theres a bit too much wood tannin here but it’s not offensive and allows the black cherry fruit to emerge on the palate along with great stoniness. Great cut on the palate, and real drive through the finish. I think the fruit might be a little light here, could use more depth and persistence, but the overall package is quite attractive. Not terrible long, but succulent with tart red fruits dominating the backend. Very pleasant if needing another 1-2 years of bottle age. 92pts
Ormanni Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Etichetta Storica 2016
Lovely red fruited nose has an airy, riverside note to it along with hints of tar, sandy soils, and a defined iris background note. Showing it age appropriately, there are signs of the tannins melting away here, leaving behind a core of biter cherry fruit, with quite complex notes of dried camomile, herbs, a hint of spiciness, that tarriness from the nose and a vague citrusy accent on the moderately long finish. And yet this lacks a certain harmony. Perhaps it’ll come Right now it needs food and I would plan on another 18 months in bottle before trying this again. 91pts
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2016
Dark, redolent of baked clay, black cherries with hints of peppermint, and dried pork salumi. A powerhouse on entry, but with superb balance and well judged tannins. This is showing signs of early maturity, with its incipient elegance and slowly melting tannins revealing a mouthful of dark cherry and black raspberry fruit backed up with the clay and dried spice notes. The fruit here remains fresh and admirably pure, it’s a touch dense and powerful, but neither clumsy nor extracted feeling and it shows exceptional freshness of fruit. I would have no qualms cellaring this from 10-13 years, though I think in 3 years it’ll be fantastic. 96pts
Tenuta Nozzole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Giovanni Folonari 2016
Aromas of cafe au lait greet the nose along with a subtle meatiness and black berry fruits all laid against a cedary backdrop. Pretty much good to go, the tannins here are mild, acidity bright and juicy with the black cherry, truffle, and dried green herb flavors well balanced and fairly intense. Good length, nice emergence of fine grained tannins on the finish. Not terribly complex but very solid and typical. 91pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015
Gorgeous nose, all Dr. pepper like and very floral at the same time while revealing a core of red currant fruit and showing a bit of a wood spice top note. Nice and taut on the palate with deep, penetrating flavors of savory spices, floral extract, gardenia extract, and small berry fruits. This ends a bit abruptly with powdery, stony tannins and a nice wash of acidity. It’s in a very nice place, still totally fresh and angular, but showing both some softening around the edges and the creeping in of some tertiary character. I would not hesitate to enjoy this now with a fatty steak or wild boar, and over the next 6-8 years. 92pts
Fattoria di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2015
Notes of juniper, salumi, and salted plums grace the nose. A bit soft across the palate as the tannins here have begun to fade, though they do emerge midpalate to lend this firmness. The fruit builds as well, really piling on in a dark, slightly anonymous yet very pleasant way. Tannins actually dominate the long finish here. A chewy mouthful of complex floral laced dark fruit with a sassafras accent note midpalate and some rosehip tones through the moderately long finish. A bit wild, but delicious if powerful and complex which might prove to be a little challenge at the table. 92pts
Lecci e Brocchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Celerarium 2015
Hints of leather and steel greet the nose along with polleny floral notes and a faint base of plummy fruit. Even has a hint of diesel, really smells like a garage. A bit compact on entry, tight, superb tannins here, fine grained with just a suggestion of angularity. Dark fruit has depth, chewy tannins, bright acidity, all coming together in the mouth with great freshness and even a youthful character considering the age here. A touch front loaded with fruit, but the freshness of the fruit here is remarkable, and the the finish picks up all sort of mineral complexities and that steelliness found on the nose. This should continue to age very well for a decade or more. Gorgeous wine. 94
ADDENDUM
Chianti Classico Pio 7 2019
Aromas of blood and stone greet the nose followed by spicy dark fruits. Slightly austere, lovely feel tot his very young wines. Spicy on the palate with great herbal nuance lending some complexity to the red fruit. Finishes simply with gentle austerity and a blue floral mineral note. Totally honest, pure Chianti Classico that shows some distinct terroir influence. 90
Querciavalle Chianti Classico 2019*
Strong aromas of earth, hay, and dark fruit leather greets the nose. Ample and broad in the mouth though with a fine mineral edge and plenty of dark, mineral laced berry plummy fruit. The tannins are lovely here, tightly packed fine grained with juicy acidity lending freshness to the clay and gentle spice laced red currant and cranberry fruit flavors. 89pts
Chianti Classico Riserva Pio 7 2016
Smells merloty with cocoa and plum notes early on the nose and a subtle herbaceousness. Round on entry, then turning quite firm though the merlot is very obvious on the palate here as well. It’s anice wine, chewy and rich, but tastes mostly of merlot and has a bit of a heavy, tannic finish to it that’s a bit clumsy. Too tannic. 86
Querciavalle Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
Shows a bit of lingering oak influence on the nose along with bright, black currant and black plum fruit that shows a light pepperiness as well as a hint of diesel. Smooth, really well integrated, rather seamless with layers of flavors, hints of tertiary notes lending additional complexity to the earth, dried herb, and clay soil notes. Good length with quite fine grained tannins. Eminently drinkable at this point, with the balance and freshness to continue to benefit from further aging. Ends on a rich, cocoa note. 91pts
Losi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Millennium 2015
Dark and earthy on the nose with some poppy seed notes, strong floral extract, and some ginseng top notes. Ample and broad in the mouth with lots of bitter cherry fruit that shows good transparency. Still youthful both structurally and flavor profile, this is a lot of wine with good drive and energy through the long finish. Lots of fruit tannins still to be resolved. Lovely cut to the burnished cherry fruit on the long fish which ends with powdery, clay inflected tannins. Complex and nuanced with many years of life ahead but almost ready to drink now. 93pts
Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico 2018
Light and delicate on the nose with braised herb aromas and a touch of hay accenting a sour cherry core of fruit. Light and expressive in the mouth, delightfully structured, just enough to lend firmness and juiciness but not excessive in anyway. The fruit is also quite expressive, shows some river stone notes along side a core or raspberry red cherry fruit. Finishes with some hay and stone accents for a fairly long finish. There’s a slight edge of cherry pie to the whole package but there is no loss of freshness for it. Classic stuff. 91pts
Castellinuzza Chianti Classico 2018
Aromas of old wood, mint, licorice, root beer, and tar greet the nose. A little on the richer side, certainly slightly compact and rich with fine grained and relatively sweet tannins. This packs a punch with great intensity of flavors that lean towards the savory end of the spectrum with even a little meatiness thrown in there. The persistence on the palate is terrific and the balance exemplary. A rather distinctive and expertly crafted Chianti Classico. 93pts
Vegi Chianti Classico Francesco Chiostri 2018
Smells like honey, buckwheat honey, along with perfumes of light truffle, fennel pollen, and baked black cherry fruit. A bit sweet on entry, lovely sweetness and breadth on the palate with fine grained tannins supporting what is admittedly very ripe fruit A bit truffly, and the fruit doesn’t even come close to covering the tannins on the finish, but while it’s on the palate this shows well. The honey aromas are incredible. 87pts
Fietri Chianti Classico 2018
Reticent, if perhaps a little peppery on the nose with subtle aromas of wild flowers and wild herbs lending complexity. A bit compact on entry, then this is taut and firm across the palate. Displays lovely, fresh black cherry fruit laid over slight austere tannins. Juicy and pure with unfettered minerality appearing on the backend through the moderately long finish. There’s a fine combination of purity and wildness here. Lovely, bright, vivid wine with terrific cut on the palate. 92pts
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2018
Smells rather strongly of black tea, black currant, and salty minerality. Sweeter and more ample in the mouth than the nose might suggest. This is terrific, full of black cherry fruit with edgy tannins and finely integrated acidity. There are plenty of dried tea, mineral, and herbal accent to this which lend complexity across the exceptionally long finish. Great persistence to the fruit. Not sure Chianti Classico gets any better than this. Delicious and should age well based on the freshness and balance. 94pts
Podere Scheggiolla Chianti Classico 2018*
Rather cola and root beer scented. Smells sweet and a little confected with truffly accents to the core of dark fruit. A bit loose in the mouth, and showing slight edges of tertiary development already. Tired, tannic, and short. A tough slog. 77pts