Castello Di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

Castello Di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is an exceptionally elegant, vibrant, and traditional Tuscan red wine that beautifully captures the balance of an exceptional, highly celebrated growing season. Pouring a radiant ruby-red color with slight garnet hues, it unfurls a complex and layered bouquet marked by aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and crushed violets, beautifully complexed by savory nuances of tobacco leaf, dried sage, flinty minerals, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied red shows superb concentration, energy, and precision, matching a juicy core of dark berry fruit with a linear vein of crisp natural acidity. Aged for 18 months in a combination of large oak casks and small French oak barrels, its firm, tightly knit mountain tannins provide a sturdy structure that drives the wine into a remarkably long, savory, and focused finish accented by lingering traces of iron, blood orange peel, and earthy undertones.

Food Pairing: Pairs spectacularly with grilled Bistecca alla Fiorentina, slow-braised wild boar ragù, roasted rosemary lamb chops, or an earthy wild mushroom truffle risotto.

94 Points - James Suckling

Crushed stones with black cherries and fresh flowers. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Still so young and fruity with wonderful energy. Give it another two or three years, if you can bear to wait.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Riservas from across the appellation are showing very well in 2019. This wine is no exception. The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (which is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino aged in different-sized oak barrels for up to 18 months) offers pretty richness and concentration. The wine's ample volume is fleshed out with dark fruit, spice and blue flower. It should be fun to try this wine in five years' time, when it loses its baby fat. Happily, production is very generous, with 200,000 bottles made.

91 Points - Wine Spectator

A sleek, tightly wound red, with black cherry and blackberry fruit shaded by iron, herbs and tobacco. Linear in profile and vibrant, with a long, slightly chewy finish. Best from 2024 through 2037.