This is a gorgeous Vin Santo with richly caramelized flavors and extraordinary smoothness, opulence and persistency. Its modern and round—there are no sharp points here—and absent are those resin or tar-like flavors you sometimes find. Instead this is an absolutely pure expression of caramel delight.
— M.L.
(12/15/2008)
Smooth and luscious, with a fragrant nose of bold red fruit, polished oak and earth. The palate comes together with rich cherry and berry fruit, toast, coffee and tannin. The finish is rich, smoky and long, with a delightful texture. Quite the showpiece wine, courtesy of extra-ripe fruit and 18 months in oak.
— M.S.
(11/15/2003)
Inky and raw, but in the best way. This is an unbridled, unchained monster of a Chianti, one with impeccable depth and extraction but also one that doesn’t sit on your palate like dead weight. Racy acids and firm tannins work in tandem to prop up the bulky dark fruit, creating a structured, delicious mass. Drink from 2007 through 2015.
— W.E.
(4/1/2005)
Barone Ricasoli delivers a top-class Chianti Classico that is penetrating, proud and modern at the same time. The wine is creamy and dense in the mouth with satisfying flavors of blackberry, cured meat and exotic spice. Very nice.
— M.L.
(5/1/2009)
This beautifully extracted wine has aged for 18 months in oak to obtain the level of opulence and sophistication it boasts now. It feels smooth and velvety on the tongue and carries long-lasting flavors of blackberry, allspice, leather, white pepper and coffee.
— M.L.
(11/1/2009)
Born at the heart of the dreamiest of Tuscan landscapes, Castello di Brolio is a monumental Chianti Classico with rich notes of berry fruit, leather, exotic spice and blackberry. The wine is incredibly smooth and polished in the mouth with enduring berry flavors and silky tannins.
— M.L.
(4/1/2010)
This blend of Sangiovese and Merlot has found enduring harmony and long-lasting persistency in this vintage. The quality of the aromas is top-notch, with cherry and toast spread equally in balanced competition. It is firm but yielding in the mouth with chewy tannins.
— M.L.
(4/1/2008)
Here’s a ripe, pulpy Riserva with deep concentration and rich notes of spice, cigar box and black cherry. Great intensity and bright fruit flavors fill the mouth and last long on the finish. Pair this wine with beef stew or game meat.
— M.L.
(6/1/2009)