2020 Chianti Classico Riserva

The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva pours a rich ruby with a saturated magenta hue. It’s a bit reserved initially but holds onto a sunny and pure profile offering layers of blackberry coulis and a touch of sunny blue fruit, along with sweet sage, rocky earth, and fresh lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with balanced richness and a weightless, rounded feel with sweet tannins and notes of pure black tea on the finish. It handles this warm vintage with a graceful feel, and although it might not be the longest-lived of these wines, I wouldn’t be surprised to find it showing beautifully in 15 or more years. Drink 2025-2040. Aldo Bianchi purchased this historic estate in 1961, and in 1986 they began excavation to build the incredible 300-meter tunnel that today is home to their historic cellar, with bottles dating back to 1962. (That vintage was the estate’s first as well as that of the denomination.) Il Poggio was the first wine in the region to be labelled as a single vineyard. The third generation is now in charge, with Laura Bianchi having taken over from her father Fabrizio. In the cellar, they work with Slavonian oak for the aging of the wines, which display exceptional refinement with a Burgundian slanting aesthetic.

Tasted from barrel, the Castello di Monsanto 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is 90% Sangiovese with 10% Canaiolo and Colorino that ages in various oak vessels for 18 months. This wine is poised to hit the market in January 2024, and 200,000 bottles will be shipped. It shows medium-dark concentration with typical aromas of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This estate consistently offers well-made and compelling wines at a value price point.

Just bottled, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is stellar. It offers a beguiling mix of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acids. Striking aromatics, notable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is a such a gorgeous and compelling wine.