Tuscany Wine

Critic Notes

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Villa Antinori is a blend from various appellations within Tuscany. It offers good depth in a medium-bodied, approachable style meant for near-term drinking. In this context, it suffered from frost issues in the Merlot and the exceptional quality of the Sangiovese-based wines. Production was down nearly 50%.  - Vinous

Winemaker Description:

Villa Antinori 2021 is ruby red in color. The nose is intense, intriguing and presents fruity notes of black cherries and plum jam together with hints of boxwood, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is mouth filling with supple, velvety tannins sustained by outstanding freshness and pleasant sapidity. —winemaker

Expert Ratings

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2022 Chianti Classico Pèppoli, the entry-level offering from Antinori, is a fine introduction to the year that shows just how compelling this vintage can be. Bright, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2022 is all class. The understated, refreshing style is so compelling.  Drinking 2024 - 2030.  - Vinous 90

Michaela Morris writes:  This is surely Antinori’s highest volume Chianti Classico with almost one million bottles produced - that’s over 2.5% of the region’s annual production. Gracious and familiar, Pèppoli is like a cheerful postcard from the Chianti hills. It charms with glossy cherry, cinnamon and chopped basil. Accents of leather and smoky toast are properly demure. On the palate, fruit is at the fore: plump plum and blackberry compote meld effortlessly with light, smooth tannins that give just the slightest dusty tug. Finishes juicy.  Drinking 2024 - 2027.  - Decanter 90

Audrey Frick writes:  The 2022 Chianti Classico Peppoli is a youthful ruby magenta, and is highly expressive with lively aromas of grenadine, tangerine, fresh flowers, and fresh oregano. This carries seamlessly to the palate keeping all the buoyant vibrancy and fruit through a well-balanced and polished finish. It has fine tannins, and a flourish of toasted smoke cedar spice, with notes of dusty earth and a bit of iron rich gamy feel. Clean and balanced this is an excellent value to drink 2025-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 90

Monica Lerner writes:  This wine is like that adoring pesky little sibling who always manages to offer levity and good cheer. The Marchesi Antinori 2022 Chianti Classico Pèppoli offers an evergreen taste profile that features Sangiovese under an almost Pinot Noir-like spotlight. The wine is bright and pretty with Rainier cherry, orange peel, violet and earth. If you really want to push those buttons, you could interpret Pèppoli as the equivalent of a Langhe Nebbiolo or a good Valpolicella.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Santa Cristina Rosso 2022 is ruby red with violet hues. Fruity and floral aromas dominate the nose with notes of cherries, mixed berries and violets that meet hints of vanilla, cocoa, and coffee and aromas of green peppers and boxwood typical of Cabernet. The palate is mouth filling, supple with a pleasant fruity aftertaste. 

Antinori’s introduction to their red wines.  A perfect pasta, pizza, chicken, red wine.  Medium bodied, fruit forward, softer styled red that leaves you wanting another glass.

Winemaker notes

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 3,000 cases made, 1,250 cases imported."

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 91 Points

Bright ruby in color. The bouquet on the nose is intense, with rich cherry and red berry aromas and leafy undertones. On the palate it is silky, balanced, with medium body, refined tannins and a long flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Very aromatic, with raspberry, orange peel and floral aromas. Nice transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp, crunchy finish.

Wine Spectator 92 Points |  A fresh, expressive red, this also exhibits tension, lending energy to its black currant, cherry, licorice and cedar flavors. Graphite and salty accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 15,000 cases imported. - 

Winemaker Notes

Critic Notes

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A racy version, this boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors. Features a firm line of tannins that work in concert with the acidity, while flashes of Mediterranean scrub peek through. Mouthwatering finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2032.   - Wine Spectator 92

Audrey Frick writes:  A bright ruby color, the 2021 Chianti Classico is expressive on opening with aromas of grenadine, candied red flowers, orange peel, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, it’s linear and graceful, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. A very charming wine, it’s prime for drinking over the next few years.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Jeb Dunnuck 90

Walter Speller writes:  Just mid ruby. Attractive raspberry and cherry nose and supple, tangy cherry fruit with gripping but not harsh tannins. Long and elegant.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

Winemaker Notes

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish. 

Critic Notes

Audrey Frick writes:  An opaque purple blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, the 2022 Il Bruciato is luxurious with notes of blackberry liqueur and some blue fruit coming through along with notes of violets, olive, and black licorice. Full-bodied, with a weightless and seamless feel, it has no harsh edges and offers ripe tannins with a supple texture, fresh acidity, and clean ripeness through a rather long finish. This gorgeous wine checks a lot of boxes and is drinking beautifully now. It offers a lot of finesse as well as a wide drinking window. Drink 2024-2040.  - Jeb Dunnuck 93

Monica Larner writes:  The popular Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that offers generous black fruit, prune, black plum, spice and light toast. The wine tapers down to mid-weight texture on the palate, and this little pause in intensity happily serves to elevate its food-friendly appeal. This hot vintage reveals ripe fruit characteristics with soft tannins and an accessible style…  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

James Button writes:  This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah offers fresh aromas of dark berries and menthol, combined with ripe, opulent red and black fruits with floral overtones in the mouth. Sweet touches of vanilla and liquorice are followed by Mediterranean herbs and spice on a cool finish. Just lacking a bit of mid-palate punch.  Drinking 2024 to 2028.  - Decanter 91

Winemaker Description

The Rosso di Montepulciano 0 has a ruby red colour highlighted by purple streaks. The bouquet presents caresses of violet, raspberry and black currant, integrated with aromas of sweet spices, cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate it is pleasant and fresh, supported by a good acidity. It is accompanied by an enveloping tannic structure and notes of ripe red and black fruit.

Expert Rating

James Suckling 91 Points | (2020 Prior Vintage) Notes of ripe red berries, licorice, cocoa and bark. Ripe but fresh with medium body and fine tannins. Juicy and fruit-forward. Vivid and delicious. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.

Expert Ratings

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is boisterous and expressive right out of the glass. Dark fruit, earthiness, leather, spice and tobacco convey tons of Castelnuovo Berardenga character. The 2021 keeps getting better in the glass. It's a super-classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case. The Berardenga bottling can be a bit wild, but in 2021 has an added touch of sophistication that is undeniable.  Drinking 2024 - 2038.  - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes:  A firm and silky red with cherry, dried flower and orange peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and focused finish. Needs a little time to soften but I already enjoy the energy here. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  This has a saline undercurrent to the cherry, cinnamon, rose hip, earth and Tuscan scrub flavors, all backed by a solid base of tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, energetic finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.  - Wine Spectator 91

Walter Speller writes:Lustrous ruby. Deep cherry with dark-spice notes. Concentrated, supple and with plenty of stuffing. Quite formidable structure with bags of powdery tannins that still need to settle; right now, they are a little demanding.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

Michaela Morris writes:  In the southeastern confines of the denomination, the Fèlsina estate has been an unwavering proponent of 100% Sangiovese. Even the annata captures the wildness of this grape combined with the Mediterranean character of this warm and luminous corner of Chianti Classico. The 2021 starts with smoky nuances, earth and subtle oak, then progresses to fragrant mint and thyme. It is concentrated and ripe, yet balanced by freshness and agility. An underlying firmness releases gradually to reveal a savoury finish of sundried tomato.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Decanter 91

Winemaker Notes

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Cranberries, strawberries and orange peel with fennel and sage and a mineral edge of just crushed rock are on the nose and then are repeated on the palate, where they come together in an elegant balance against firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity.

91 Points Robert Parker | Made with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 10% Pugnitello, the 2021 Chianti Classico proves to be a versatile wine and a fundamentally food-friendly choice with lots of purple and blue fruits with hints of fragrant wild rose. The wine supports medium weight and lots of fresh acidity to cut through cream or butter-based cooking ingredients. This is a huge production of half a million bottles.

90 Points James Suckling | A fresh and delicious Chianti Classico with a lightness and crunchiness. Sour cherries and light orange blossom. Light and pretty. Drink now.

Luminous ruby red. Scents of cherry, raspberry, and sweet violets. Dry on the palate, showing subtle tannins and a fresh, crisp acidity.

At its best when partnered with antipasti, full-flavored first courses, and most red meats. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is an intense ruby red color. The nose delivers notes of red fruit, in particular black cherries, light hints of flowers and sweet impressions of powdered sugar. The bouquet is completed by hints of cinnamon and dill that impart pleasantly spicy nuances. The vertical palate is taut, pleasantly mouthfilling with supple tannins and closes with a lengthy, sapid, and full finish. 

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 95 points - This ripe style is fresh and harmonious, delivering plum, cherry and boysenberry fruit, with accents of earth, iron and eucalyptus. Supple in texture, with a beautifully integrated structure and long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2043.

The Wine Advocate 94+ points - This is one of the big surprises of this tasting and ultimately represents one of the best buys in the entire extended Marchesi Antinori portfolio. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Tenuta Tignanello Marchese Antinori shares the DNA of Tignanello. It is Sangiovese kissed with small parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Of course, the wine is more accessible and open compared to Tignanello, and spiritually, this wine is a Chianti Classico. By that I mean that the elegant minerality of these soils and the sunny flavors of its environs are the determining characteristics. You get wildflower, iris, tart fruit and plum. The wine's enhanced mineral character, with dusty white rock, is what adds lasting complexity and depth.

Our Notes:

Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer: This Vermentino is a light to medium bodied wine with alluring aromas and flavors orchard fruit, tropical fruits and white flowers. A white wine bountiful in character, showing some complexity, earthiness , a vegetal note and a wonderful mouthfeel. This wine is vibrant, pure and clean, fermented in stainless steel. 

Critic Notes

Monica Larner writes:  Made with Vermentino, the 2022 Perlato del Bosco Bianco is a good value and the kind of wine you’ll want to pair with a fresh summer salad made with heirloom tomatoes and broadleaf basil. “The trick is maintaining the acidity,” Stefano Frascolla tells me. Despite the very hot vintage and some fruit heaviness, this wine offers a crisp profile with grapefruit, green apple, minerals and saltiness. Tua Rita has been working with Vermentino since the beginning.  Drinking 2024 to 2026.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

James Suckling writes:  A very complex and focused vermentino with sliced green melon, honey blossom, and lemons. Medium body. Bright acidity and crushed stone. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A subtle, balanced version, evoking white peach, apple, earth and sage flavors, with lively acidity keeping this focused and long. A touch of white pepper graces the finish. Drink now.   - Wine Spectator

Expert Ratings 

94 Points James Suckling | Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. This is driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length.

92 Points Decanter | This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has grown over the years to its current annual production of 170,000 bottles, however it has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. Grilled meat, baked earth and thyme flirt with black plum. The youthful juiciness has the energy to carry this over the next eight or so years. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist.

91 Points Robert Parker | A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight

85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 3% Malvasia, 2% Trebbiano
Borghi d'Elsa has intense, fragrant and elegant aromas of blackberries and raspberries, with violet and Florentine iris notes. On the palate, the taste is dry, full, harmonious and slightly tannic, with an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest.

Winemaker Description

An authentic expression of Chianti Classico. Only native grapes, to maintain the most typical formula of the most famous of Italian wines, respecting tradition and the territory, enhancing the beautiful ruby red of Sangioveto. A wine which with its typical characteristics strives to achieve maximum elegance.

Bright ruby red, the color of Sangiovese.  The nose is fragrant and fresh with pleasant hints of red fruit, licorice, black currant and a hint of vanilla. Expresses a pleasant sweetness on the palate, it is round, soft and fruity. Acidity and persistence characterize a very elegant aftertaste.

Winemaker Description

Made with a special selection of Sangiovese, the 2020 Fontalloro is generous and rich, and the wine sports medium-dark color and concentration. The winemaking team has succeeded in bringing out an especially elegant side to this vintage. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice at the back. Like the other wines in this portfolio, there is a pretty mineral note that makes for a consistent through-line in all these new releases.

Expert Ratings

Robert Parker 96 Points | Made with a special selection of Sangiovese, the 2020 Fontalloro is generous and rich, and the wine sports medium-dark color and concentration. The winemaking team has succeeded in bringing out an especially elegant side to this vintage. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice at the back. Like the other wines in this portfolio, there is a pretty mineral note that makes for a consistent through-line in all these new releases. (2020). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | A vibrant red, with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with cherry, orange peel, earth, mineral and tobacco flavors. On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,800 cases made, 1,200 cases imported. (2020). 

James Suckling 95 Points | Very refined and complex nose with a hint of pine cones, botanicals and dark mushrooms to the zesty oranges, mineral, fine musk and plums. Juicy, dry but textured on the palate with stacks of dusty tannins growing on the savory, full-bodied palate. Long and quite mineral in the finish. Better from 2025. (2020). 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2020 Fontalloro is a sensual, enveloping wine. Dark red-toned fruit, sweet spice, tobacco, cedar and mint are all beautifully delineated. Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese from vineyards that straddle the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi appellations. The duality is very much on display here.

Winemaker Description

It is a Chianti with a traditional style, energetic and elegant, expressing beautiful complexity and cleanliness in the nose. It is aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in the bottle and expresses aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes, for an agile, fresh and soft sip.  

Expert Ratings

Monica Larner writes:  The certified organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage absolutely stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile, driven by a warm and sunny vintage. This sees steel, cement and oak. The wine travels over the palate with an elegant and velvety texture.  Drinking 2022 - 2030  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

Walter Speller writes:  Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, and with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant. Drinking 2022 - 2028  - Jancis Robinson 17++   95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. Certified organic.

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico is super-impressive. It's the sort of wine that needs time to come together, though, so readers should be in no rush. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2023 - 2032   - Vinous 91

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A dense red, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced, long and will benefit from food or another year or two of bottle age. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2028.  - Wine Spectator 90

92 points Vinous | The 2021 Chianti Classico is gorgeous. Bright and punchy, the 2021 races across the palate with lively red-toned fruit, dried flowers, minerals and cedar. Vibrant acids lend energy to a Chianti Classico that marries fruit intensity with energy. This is such an inviting wine. 

92 Points Wine Spectator | An intense red, with saturated black cherry and blackberry fruit framed by menthol and tar aromas and flavors. Firmly structured and balanced, in its youthful way, with excellent length. A little aeration helps, so decant now. Sangioveto and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2030. (2021). 

91 Points Decanter | Flaunting the warmth of the vintage and the generous southwestern exposure of Castellare’s vineyards, this is dripping with ripe black cherry and heady violet. A short passage in used barriques and tonneaux lends subtle vanilla nuances. Richness is countered by zesty, citrussy acidity and fine, powdery tannins. An engaging and silky Chianti Classico that will give plenty of pleasure over the next five years.

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate and saddle leather. On the palate the wine is fleshy and dense. The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 Points | There’s purity to the cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and herb aromas and flavors in this solidly built red, which shows excellent balance and length. The muscular finish begs for more time for the beautiful fruit to assimilate. 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | You drive through a postcard-perfect panorama of cypress-lined roads and sun-lit farmhouses as you approach the tiny hamlet of Bossi on the southern side of the appellation. The organic Castello di Bossi 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione reveals a dark core of black fruit that is surrounded by flinty mineral, spice and black licorice. This wine should become even silkier and softer with more bottle age. This 20,000-bottle release will hit the market this fall."

James Suckling 94 Points | Lots of blackberry, black-cherry and lavender aromas with some sage. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and polished red.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Bossi is laced with dark red cherry, incense, tobacco, game, spice and licorice. Dense and a bit wild, the 2019 has plenty of personality. This really needs quite a bit of air to emerge, but there is plenty of stuffing there.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.(2020). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. (2020).

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy yet firmly structured red highlighted by bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Reveals dense tannins that inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best from 2025 through 2039.

Expert Rating

Wine Spectator 91 Points | A powerful red, with savory eucalyptus, tobacco and tomato leaf aromas and flavors offset by cherry and plum notes. Beefy tannins set the stage for a lingering, grainy finish. Best from 2024 through 2033. -- Bruce Sanderson (2018).

Winemaker Description

In the glass it shows intense garnet red reflections. On the nose aromas of small red fruits, strawberries and currants. Then pomegranate and the unmistakable violet scent of good Sangiovese. In the background a touch of vanilla, sweet spices and licorice. The palate is well balanced with hints of ripe cherries and plums, supported by precise and elegant tannins. The body is warm and enveloping with a long and persistent finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

This Brunello Riserva offers a solid, full body and excellent aging potential. Its ample and complex bouquet is reminiscent of violets, wild berries, cedar, leather, tobacco and spices. On the palate, it is austere and seductive with a perfect blend of fruit, acidity and mouth coating tannins. This is the perfect bottle for Brunello lovers.

Pair with steak au poivre, rack of lamb or beef carpaccio.

Expert Ratings

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | There is a more forward personality to the 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva, which pours a slightly darker hue. Aromas of black cherry, scorched earth, and violets emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers more ripe concentration, with black raspberry, tea leaf, cedar, and rosemary. It is elegant yet expressive of the warm vintage, with fine, ripe tannins and ripe fresh fruit through the mid-palate and a great balance between roundness and elegance.

James Suckling 95 Points | Complex and fragrant nose of neroli, currants, sour cherries, sandalwood, cassis and wild herbs. Roasted walnuts, too. Full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Full of energy and power.

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 13,000 bottles made) shows dark fruit, dried cherry and baked plum. The wine is slightly subdued aromatically speaking compared to the new Brunello annata release, and I chalk that up to the very hot and dry conditions of the relentless 2017 summer. Cinnamon, cumin and crushed clove appear in a second wave and underline this Riserva's more elaborate aging regime. The finish is layered and rich with full-bodied Sangiovese intensity.

Decanter 93 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 13,000 bottles made) shows dark fruit, dried cherry and baked plum. The wine is slightly subdued aromatically speaking compared to the new Brunello annata release, and I chalk that up to the very hot and dry conditions of the relentless 2017 summer. Cinnamon, cumin and crushed clove appear in a second wave and underline this Riserva's more elaborate aging regime. The finish is layered and rich with full-bodied Sangiovese intensity.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This red starts out round, turning more precise and taut as it builds to the finish. Shows cherry, wild herb, soy and loam flavors that ply the supple texture, before the tannins exert their influence and the finish tightens up (a good sign for the future). (2017).

Vinous 90 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark beauty, slowly unfurling with dried cherries, exotic sweet spice, fresh tobacco and hints of mint. It’s rich and dense in feel, yet lifted by cooling acidity, as ripe black fruits easily wash across the palate, leaving bitter-tea-like tannins that collect toward the close. The finish is tannic and drying, yet not severe, leaving nuances of plum and lavender to linger. The vintage has left its mark on the 2017 Riserva, yet cellaring will help relieve its youthful structure.

Winemaker Description

Its bouquet is intense, pure, pleasant and refined, reminiscent of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant hints of wild berries and vanilla. Its flavor fully confirms the above in a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with good tannins and a solid structure. 

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 95 Points | Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares throughout Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth filling yet agile. Sandy textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment. (2019). 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality). (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. (2019).

James Suckling 94 Points | A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. (2019). 

95 Points James Suckling | "Pretty pure fruit to this with black cherry, black berry and light chocolate aromas. The palate is full and focused with very polished tannins and a long, long finish. Best after 2027." 

94 Points Wine Advocate | "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers lively aromas of cherry cola, forest berry and dried cranberry that really pop on the bouquet. The dimension and latitude of the wine is impressive, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and with this bottle you're set for near and medium-term drinking. However, what works best in my opinion is the wine's balanced and much-needed freshness. You get great quality over an ambitious release of 160,000 bottles." - Monica Larner

93 Points Vinous Media| "The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly in the glass, yet it is worth the wait as a dusty blend of dried flowers, cedar shavings, wild strawberries, and spice emerges over time. It’s silky and enveloping with fresh acidity and pretty wild berry fruits that gain in sweetness as they travel across the palate. It finishes long and staining yet still lively and spry, leaving a coating of fine tannins and licorice hints that resonate under an air of violet inner florals. The 2019 is a lovely interpretation of northern Montalcino fruit." - Eric Guido

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | "A rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers a lovely bouquet of medicinal herbs, dried redcurrants, roses, and orange zest. Approachable from the start, the palate is medium-bodied, with lovely freshness and purity, angular tannins, and a clean finish. It is a very well-done wine from Caparzo that will be best enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. I really like these wines for their value, and they’re great restaurant offerings..." 

Winemaker Description

This riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, and lead to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Pair this wine with Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, and beef negimaki.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 94 Points | A very beautiful and fresh riserva with blackcurrant, blackberry and dark-chocolate aromas and flavors with some almond. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. (2019).

Decanter 93 Points | The Bacci family bought this centuries-old estate in 1998, and Alberto Antonini has been the consulting enologist for almost as long. A selection of lots from the estate’s extensive vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Riserva presents a particularly earthy nose of truffle, sweet damp earth and iron. On the palate, subtle black raspberry is inflected with tea and tobacco, and the oak is understated and sophisticated. What this may lack in sheer concentration, it makes up for in its fluid gait and assertiveness of structure. A natural with mushroom risotto. (2019).

Robert Parker 93 Points | A certified organic wine, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo offers bright aromas of dried cherry, forest berry, sweet spice and cinnamon. With fruit from beautiful Castelnuovo Berardenga on the southern side of the appellation, this wine shows medium-rich concentration and good texture with savory oak-driven elements. (2019). 

Robert Paker 92 Points |  This wine sees its fruit sourced from multiple villages: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is not married to a specific subzone of the appellation because it seeks to embrace a house style rather than a vineyard identity. Aged in tonneaux with some barrique, the wine is rich and lasting but not large. In fact, it remains elegant on the palate with fine tannins and good fruit tension with cherry and blue flowers.  Drinking 2024 - 2030.  -

Expert Ratings

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright, floral and effusive, the 2020 is striking right out of the gate. Crushed flowers, mint, spice and blood orange all race out of the glass. A wine of vibrancy and nuance, impresses with its exceptional beauty and overall harmony. It's an absolutely stellar wine from Montesecondo.  Drinking 2022 -2030.  - Vinous 93

Walter Speller writes:  Lustrous crimson. At first subdued then opens up to crushed raspberries with savoury hints. Vibrant fruit with lots of acidity but really filled out across the palate. Long and with lots of crunch.   San Casciano. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino. Certified organic.  Drinking 2022 - 2028.  - Jancis Robinson 17.5

Monica Larner writes:  The Montesecondo 2020 Chianti Classico is redolent of bright cherry and wild blueberry. It presents those pretty fruit tones with attractive intensity. This blend of 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino feels sweet and soft, but the ripeness is spot-on with no jammy sensations or heaviness. That contained quality of fruit, even in a hot vintage such as this, is one of the ace cards in Chianti Classico's hand. Aged in oak and cement, the wine ends with tart cherry and lasting freshness.  Drinking 2022 -2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

Michaela Morris writes:  Montesecondo crafts just one Chianti Classico from two parcels in San Casciano. It ferments spontaneously, sees minimal sulphur additions and is aged in a combination of cement vats and medium-sized used oak casks. The 2020 starts discreetly, with forest brush and mint adding dimension to red currant and black raspberry. This is more savoury than sweet though, and it's the powdery, textured palate that really captivates. Fresh and tangy with nuances of orange peel, this sneaky wine isn't flamboyant but is very tasty.  - Decanter 92

 Raffaele Mosca writes:  Montesecondo is part of an increasingly large group of small wineries that choose to pursue a minimalist approach: avoiding yeast addition, choosing concrete over oak, and using very little sulphur. This 2020 Chianti Classico offers aromas of blood orange, laurel, cassis and a hint of game. The palate is bright and savoury, with crunchy red fruit, juicy tannins, invigorating acidity and a mouthwatering saline tang.  Drinking 2023 -2028.  Decanter 93

Winemaker Notes:

Montesecondo comprises two separate properties: both are biodynamically farmed and both lie in San Casciano in Val di Pesa at the northern edge of the Chianti Classico zone. The original family vineyard, generally referred to as "Montesecondo" or "Cerbaiai", is lower-altitude, warmer, gently cloped and with heavier clay soils near the town of Cerbaia; it is mainly Sangiovese with some co-planted Canaiolo and Colorino. The second part, referred to as "Vignano" for the name of its tiny hamlet, features parcels that are cooler, hillier, rich in limestone, up at 450 meters and north-facing. The Chianti is a blend of both parts of the estate, with proportions varying by vintage.

The bunches are hand-harvested and mainly destemmed but with the berries left whole. They are fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and without sulfur in concrete tanks. Maceration lasts around 12 days and there are no extractive techniques, only a submerged cap or cappello sommerso. The wine is aged partly in 15-hectoliter foudres and partly in concrete for up to one and half years. It is bottled with a small amount of sulfur and without fining or filtering and is released in the late spring two years after the vintage.

Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo & Colorino

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This powerful red is hallmarked by forthcoming aromas of black cherry, blackberry, iron, tar and tobacco. Burly tannins prowl in the background as this unfurls to a long, detailed finish. Balanced in a broad-shouldered way. (2018) 

Robert Parker 91 Points | From a cooler vintage coming after the scorching hot previous year, the 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva has soft contours and lots of bright fruit with cherry, cassis and wild plum. This is a medium-weight Sangiovese with bright acidity. It ends with earthy notes of iris and blue flower. (2018). 

James Suckling 91 Points | A spicy nose with cherries, dried herbs, bark, baking spices and dried earth. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Structured, with a powdery texture on the center-palate and a chewy finish. Best after 2024. (2018).

Decanter 90 Points | Delicious oak provides the background to chocolatey overripe fruits, mint, black pepper, and a juicy-warm finish. (2018).

Winemaker Description

The 2016 Renieri Brunello di Montalcino opens with earthy aromas of bark, sand, truffles, graphite, rust, terracotta and sandalwood. Fruitier orange zest and lemon. Ripe, incense and with dense forest of aromas. Rich to the center palate, the fruit is vivacious and elegant. Robust and generous tannins. The finish is long, the after effects of the acidity unworldly.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points:  Floral aromas of violet and rose mingle with new leather and menthol on this fragrant red. Racy and linear, the palate features dried cherry, licorice and blood orange set against firm, fine-grained tannins. (2016).

Wine Advocate 94 Points: The Renieri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a plush, fruit-forward and accessible wine that captures the purity and elegance of the vintage. The best take-away, however, is the fresh, ready and bright state of this wine that makes it almost ready to enjoy straight out of the gate. This Brunello from a nine-hectare plot with limestone clay soils offers bold cherry and blackberry with delicate spice, smoke and blue flower. The wine is marked by balanced acidity, and there is some tannic tightness that should further relax by the time this wine hits the market at the start of 2021. -- Monica Larner (2016). 

James Suckling 96 Points: This is a very tight, refined Brunello that shows so much beautiful fruit and polish with dark-berry, cedar, walnut and cherry character. It’s full-bodied with layers of fine tannins and a fresh, pretty finish. Needs much more time to open. (2016). 

Vinous 90 Points: The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a sweetly spiced and fruit-forward expression of the vintage, yet it manages to color within the lines of refinement. Mulled apples and strawberries with a balsamic tinge give way to mentholated herbal tones. It’s soft with a wonderful mix of inner sweetness, pure red berry fruits and minerals, yet it lacks momentum toward the close. Rounded tannins linger along with hints of plum, tobacco and dark inner florals. With the exception of a lull on the mid-palate, the 2016 Renieri is really quite pleasurable, yet it’s better to enjoy this sooner rather than later.  -- Eric Guido 

James Suckling 97 Points | Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. It’s very long and goes on for minutes. Precision.

Vinous 96 Points | The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and... 

Robert Parker 96 Points | Newly on the market now, the 2020 Tignanello shows a gorgeous bouquet with an upfront and accessible personality. Right off the bat, you get dark cherry, dried raspberry, spice, toasted almond and citrusy blood orange... 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A concentrated red, with black cherry, blackberry, iron, tobacco and vanilla flavors framed by sweet spices and toast accents. Ends with mouthcoating tannins, yet is pretty well-balanced overall. Alluring and classy... 

Winemaker Description

Cheerful fruity wine with notes of red fruit, black currants, plums with some spiciness. In the mouth digestible with a fine balance between the fruit and the acids.

Winemaker Description

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 94 Points | This Brunello is well-marked by new oak, adding a vanilla note and wood tannins. Black cherry, blackberry, iron and menthol flavors lay underneath. Dusty tannins line the finish, which is long, finding a nice equilibrium. Best from 2024 through 2038. 5,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported. (2016).