Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone 2019 (750ML)

98+ WA / 98 JS / 95 DE / 94 WS / 93 WI

This is my favorite wine among this group of new releases from Barone Ricasoli. The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone reflects soils that are rich in shells and marine fossils. These conditions deliver sharpness and focus with beautiful minerality, both salty and chalky. To the eye, this textbook Sangiovese is lean and elegant. The bouquet is finessed and layered with wild cherry, mint, blue flower and blood orange. There is an element of rustiness as well, and the mouthfeel is polished and extremely fine. The tannins melt away. Francesco Ricasoli assures me that he and his team "have learned to work the grape." I'd certainly say so. These are stunning results.-Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The aromas and structure to this single vineyard Chianti Classico are something else this year. The orange-peel, meat and cherry aromas are lifted and spirited. It’s medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are dusty and fine-grained. Structured and sturdy with a granite-like presence. Try after 2025, but impressive to taste.-James Suckling

Roncicone is a large 10.87ha vineyard at 320m above sea level in Gaiole in Chianti on soils with deposits of sand, marine fossils and rounded stones, as well as clay further down. Earthy woodland scents accompany hedgerow berries and violet overtones, with a distinct petrichor note. The fine tannins seem less obvious compared to Colledila, letting the intensity of juicy red and black fruits shine. It has lovely freshness, with an almost-menthol character which, combined with the tight and tangy finish, gives this a sense of verticality.-James Button, Decanter

This spicy red is introduced with a blast of bright cherry fruit, along with strawberry, currant, eucalyptus and tobacco notes. Reveals an underlying mineral element, and dusty tannins present on the finish. All the components are there. Best from 2025 through 2043. 916 cases made, 60 cases imported.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Of the three Gran Selezione that Barone Ricasoli produces, the Roncicone is softer, gentler and less incisive. This 2019 Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone has rich, warm spice and sweet cedar oak notes which dominate on the palate and there is a round, creamy, soft first impression. The flavors are less clearly delineated and precise than Colledila and less assertively sinewy than Ceniprimo but instead there is a mineral, iron flavor and a gentle, welcoming texture. The Roncicone comes from 10.87 ha of vineyard planted between 1998 and 2000 at 320 metres above sea level. The soil consists of marine fossils and sandy deposits smoothed by the sea with some clay deposits lower down. Drink 2023 to 2043-Susan Hulme, The Wine Independent