“The nose is primarily savory and textured with aromas of graphite and tea leaves, but a floral element and notes of cranberries and fig provide buoyancy. On the palate, a mix of dried and fresh berries is lifted by a sea breeze on the finish, that blows past a blaze of accident and a careful tapestry of tannins.”

“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.”

“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is a deep jeweled red color and reveals a sweet perfume of polished leather, raspberry liqueur, candied roses, and sweet soil, with a touch of blue fruit coming through as well. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe tannins and rounded, red-berried fruit, and it has more modest acidity and a bit of black tea and forest herbs on the finish. It’s an appealing wine now, and although it will have a substantial and age-worthy life ahead, it may not be the longest-lived vintage of this wine.”

“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.”

“The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Puro - Casanova is a deep ruby with magenta highlights and takes things to the next level, with woven layers with wonderful purity, notes of raspberry liqueur, violets, candied flowers, sweet sage, and fresh pine. This continues to the palate with a really refined feel, revealing ripe fruit, sweet tannins, and a seamless structure with even acidity and a long finish. This stunning wine will be hard to resist now, but there’s no question it will improve with cellaring over the next 20 or more years.”

"Castello di Volpaia makes several high-end Chianti Classicos, including a riserva along with two single-vineyard gran selezione, yet it’s the 2021 annata that provides an ideal combination of quality and value. This racy version boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors, with firm tannins and flashes of Mediterranean scrub. Volpaia’s high-elevation vineyards in the UGA Radda, ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, yield wines of elegance and vigor."

"Loaded with black cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, this red is also firmly structured. Shows persistent fruit through the lingering aftertaste, where elements of earth and Tuscan scrub emerge."

"Juicy yet firmly structured, with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way."

"Rich and vibrant, this red evokes black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and wild herb flavors. Dense, with spice accents on the lingering finish. Firm tannins line the finish, so decant now or age this a few more years."

“Mandarin orange peel and apple pie with lots of nutty aromas and flavors. Refreshing acidity and a delicate mouthfeel with a full body and subtle sweetness.”

“Aromas of red cherries, dried strawberry bush, bark and wet stones with hints of dried herbs, citrus peel and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and complex with fine, velvety tannins. Structured and compact. Very balanced with a lingering finish.”

“Saturated with black currant, black cherry, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors, this red is firmly structured and shows fine harmony already in its youth. The supple texture is offset by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit echoes on the lingering finish.”

'“A sleek, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very pretty, nuanced Gran Selezione. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Hints of black cherry, plum, licorice and leather lend darkness throughout.”

“A sleek, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very pretty, nuanced Gran Selezione. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Hints of black cherry, plum, licorice and leather lend darkness throughout.”

“The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute joy. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and mint are all beautifully delineated in a vibrant, mid-weight Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. This is a fine showing.”

“The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure.”

“Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with hints of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with lots of energy and tension. Tannins are polished and well-integrated. Very complete and balanced. Crunchy and long"

“Very pretty and floral aromas with orange blossom and currant character. Very attractive purity of fruit. It’s medium-bodied with polished, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Tangy acidity.”

“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.”

“Boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors. A firm line of tannins works in concert with the acidity, while flashes of Mediterranean scrub peek through. Mouthwatering finish.”