This is a very powerful and concentrated vin santo, which smells like tarte tatin. It also has some apple acidity, but that doesn’t stop it feeling rather massive on the palate. Drink now.

Lifted, gracious and beautifully perfumed the 2013 Vinsanto del Chianti Classico is a wine with real character. Dried orange peel, dried flowers, autumn leaves and almonds are woven together in a Vin Santo of real distinction and class. The blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia, both white varieties, yields a wine that emphasizes aromatics and mid-weight structure.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala (made from a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo) is a beautifully primed and enriched red wine that offers all the basics—and does so in impeccable style. The bouquet shows black fruit, spice and tilled earth. All the aromas are on the dark and savory side, however the wine remains, fresh, tight and buoyant and very linear. It makes you want to try out a local tripe recipe: trippa alla Fiorentina or even the slow-cooked lampredotto alla Fiorentina. Some 12,000 bottles were made.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva (made with 100% Sangiovese) offers up a pretty layer of tar or crushed stone upon first nose. These tones, rather tight at the beginning, then relax and cede to plum, blackberry, spice and cured tobacco. The wine is direct and impactful in the mouth with sharp precision and a linear, fresh finish. Pair it with a steak au poivre. Some 60,000 bottles were made.

The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casanova Il Puro shows a dense and rich quality of fruit that is indicative of this sunny and warm vintage. It is the best wine I've tasted in this series of samples from Castello di Volpaia. The wine's texture is thick and plush, and there's plenty of dark plummy fruit to maintain momentum. Oak spice, tar and campfire ash appear on the long and enriched finish. Pair it with a braised shank of lamb. This is a pure expression of Sangiovese and only 2,000 bottles were made.

Despite overall high altitudes at Volpaia, some of the lower lying vineyards were damaged by the late April frost. Along with the drought conditions, this resulted in a reduction of 30-35% of the estate's average production. Up front raspberry notes are joined by a touch of mint which adds intrigue. This gains some definition as it sits in the glass and palate is juicy with a supple texture and balanced ripeness. It has enough structure to carry it for five years.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is classy and refined from start to finish. Sweet red cherry, mint, chalk, flowers and blood orange add a very appealing upper register. New oak gives the Coltassala a modern touch, without completely overpowering the wine.

The 2016 Chianti Classico is all class. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2016 offers a terrific expression of the estate in its mid-weight personality. All the elements meld together in this effortless, classy wine from the family. The 2016 is quite accessible today, but it also has enough brightness to age nicely for a number of years. What a pretty wine it is.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, incense, mocha menthol, lavender and leather infuse this virile, brooding Riserva with tons of character. In this tasting, the Riserva stands out for its depth and weighty substance. This is a decidedly virile wine from Volpaia.

A firm and silky red with blackberry and blueberry character. Medium to full body, fine and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Finesse as always. A blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon.

The 2016 Balifico, Volpaia's blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the estate at its very best. Espresso grilled herbs, plum, licorice, leather, menthol and spice open up effortlessly in a beautiful, resonant wine loaded with personality and sheer class. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to like.

Cherry, walnut and stone aromas and flavors. Medium body. Firm, lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Chianti Classico is all class. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2016 offers a terrific expression of the estate in its mid-weight personality. All the elements meld together in this effortless, classy wine from the family. The 2016 is quite accessible today, but it also has enough brightness to age nicely for a number of years. What a pretty wine it is.

Aromas of cherries, dried strawberries and red plums. Medium to full body, round and ripe tannins and a nice, fresh finish. Drink now.

There’s a plethora of intense fruit here, from dark cherries and brambleberries to lifted orange rind, citrus and so much sage and lavender. Full-bodied and very layered with a wall of structured tannins and a medium-long finish. From organically grown grapes.

A firm and silky red with blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors, as well as spices. Hints of vanilla. Medium to full body. Walnut and light chocolate undertones. From organically grown grapes. Drink now, but better after 2021.

A more restrained Coltassala and, as far as we’re concerned, all the better for it. What a nose, from the very beginning here, with crushed violets, pressed lavender, bilberries, fresh sage and basil, licorice and crushed stones. Medium body, bright and very energetic acidity and layers of finely wrought tannins. All about the vibrant fruit and driven acidity. From organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold.

A stunning red from start to finish, alluring for the cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and mineral aromas and flavors. There is grip too, along with bright acidity, ending in a long, resonant aftertaste. Really complex and balanced. Best from 2022 through 2036.

The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Puro is another impressive wine from Volpaia. Succulent red cherry, kirsch, cedar, mint and blood orange are all delineated, and bright acids and expressive floral notes perk up the dense fruit. Powerful and deep, the Puro needs time in bottle for the formidable tannins to soften and the French oak to integrate more fully...

A layered and beautiful Chianti Classico with depth, length and beautiful texture. Full body, firm and velvety. Extremely long and flavorful. Gorgeous. Drink now or hold. Made from organic grapes.