Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 750ml

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is 90% Sangiovese and the rest Canaiolo and Colorino, raised only in used barrique and large cask. It pours a pure ruby and has floral and herbal aromas of cherry candy, black raspberry, forest herbs, tomato leaf, and dried roses. It is medium to full bodied, with good concentration, fine tannins, and a long, clean finish, and it is savory with dried herbs, oregano, dried cherry, salty earth, and an angular structure.

First produced in 1962, this Riserva is unusual in that it represents the majority of the estate's production – around four times as many bottles are produced as for the Chianti Classico annata. In 2019 there was a rainy spring followed by a warm but not overly hot summer, and ideal weather at harvest time. Bright hedgerow berry aromas are accompanied by floral notes and fragrant damp earth, while in the mouth it's really intense, with a good concentration of bramble fruits alongside spicy and woody inflections and a balsamic streak. Very light on its feet, it's deliciously fresh, succulent and long, with superbly integrated tannins. Excellent.