Castello di Monsanto, Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

94 points Decanter
"With an average annual production of 200,000 bottles, Castello di Montsanto’s Riserva is the flagbearer of the winery, and in some vintages there are five bottles of Riserva produced to just one bottle of annata. Opening flecks of flint and pepper transition to sweet herb nuances of mint and fennel. The palate brings in earthy cranberry and currants with hints of porcini,. lifted by a bergamot accent and underscored by a nice crunchiness. Firm, tight-knit tannins are still steely but properly padded with gracious fruit. Time and air are necessary here."

94 points Jeb Dunnuck
"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. This pure and detailed wine is going to be a fantastic one to cellar and to drink 2025-2040."

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 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."

93 points Vinous
"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, incense, tobacco, menthol, licorice, scorched earth and savory undertones all take shape in the glass. There's real intensity here, not to mention tons of character. There are many beautiful wines in this range, but for the money, it is pretty hard to beat this Riserva."

Jancis Robinson
"San Donato in Poggio. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino, 5% Canaiolo. Cask sample.
Lustrous crimson. A fascinating nose of lifted red fruit with a touch of ground pepper and orange skin. Lots of pure raspberry and cherry fruit on the palate with lifted acidity while the whole is framed by powdery tannins. Classy stuff. 17.5/20 points. (WS)"