The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casanova Il Puro is a wine for the cellar. Bright acids and beams of tannin shape this powerful, classically austere Gran Selezione from Volpaia. Lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and cloves start to emerge with some coaxing, but the 2016 is very clearly not ready to show all its cards just yet. Even so, this is a fine edition of the Puro. I hope to taste it again in another decade or so.

A rich, layered red that shows the strength of the vintage, offering blackberry, black-olive and stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, chewy and pretty. From organically grown grapes. Approachable now, but better in 2022.

Puro' refers not just to the fact that this is made from 100% Sangiovese, but also that the vines represent 25 clones native to the area of Volpaia. The are grown in a small plot of the estate's south facing Casanova vineyard. Aged in 100% new French barriques, this leas with freshly ground coffee and sandalwood then reveals licorice, lavender and red cherry. The palate is sophisticated and smooth with fine svelte tannins and a racy core.