Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio 2016 (750ML)

93 WA / 93 JS / 17 JR

The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a terrific wine that lives up to our expectations of a Riserva, while maintaining that playful informality that you don't get in the estate's more contemplative Gran Selezione. Indeed, the Riserva category of Chianti Classico has been largely overlooked ever since Gran Selezione came onto the scene some seven years ago, thus knocking Riserva off the top of the quality pyramid. This wine reminds you why you should take a closer look at Riserva. The bright aromas of dark cherry, spice and tilled earth are fresh and cheerful and are exactly why we are attracted to Chianti Classico in the first place. The blend here is 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in new and used tonneaux for 18 months. The mouthfeel is slender and fresh, making this a perfect wine for slices of steak, or tagliata, with porcini mushrooms. Some 54,000 bottles were made.Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate

This is a fantastic Chianti Classico Riserva that displays blackcurrants, dark plums, redder plums, tulips and cedar. Medium to full body, some really restrained and attractive tannins and a tangy finish. Drink now. James Suckling

Gaiole in Chianti. 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.Mid ruby. Slightly stalky and a little reductive on the nose. Plenty of concentrated sweet-tangy cherry fruit and grainy tannins. Great balance. (WS) Walter Speller – Jancis Robinson