Antinori 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Badia a Passignano

This is a single vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva that Antinori produces from the vineyard of the same name on their estate property. It's a unique wine with a distinct terroir that shows through vintage after vintage. This is the only wine in the Antinori portfolio that bears the new Gran Selezione designation. It's also the only wine they make that is 100% Sangiovese. The wine was aged 12 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. 

The Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "A traditional style, this red exhibits cherry, plum, leather and tobacco flavors. The wood aging lends dryness to the tannins now, yet there is an essence of ripe fruit midpalate and a lot of energy on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2042."

Decanter Magazine also scored it 93 saying "Antinori's Badia a Passignano estate is located in the commune of San Casciano Val di Pesa, just 3 kilometres south of Tenuta Tignanello. It boasts predominately calcareous soil and is planted with clones selected from Tignanello's vineyards. Rich fruit references the warm summer but it's girdled by sleek, polished tannins. Currently swathed in heady spice and balsamic herbs, this needs another year to reveal the full spectrum of its nuances and will give plenty of drinking pleasure for at least a decade after that."

James Suckling scored it 94 points saying "A 2015 red with opulent dark fruits such as ripe raspberries and black currants follow through to medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a deliciously fresh finish. Just the right acid and fruit balance to give it nerve and brillance. Drink in 2021."

and the Wine Advocate also scored it 94 saying "The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is a pure expression of Sangiovese. Fruit is sourced from the San Donato area of the appellation that is not an official subzone yet but is increasingly emerging as such. This wine is distinguished by a beautiful level of openness and softness (on the Sangiovese spectrum, which means you also get a bright dose of acidity). That softness or lushness comes in part due to the warm vintage but also thanks to the winemaking approach that relies on larger barrels (from 300 to 500 liters) and Hungarian oak that tends to be more porous and thickly textured for increased passage of oxygen. The wine offers beautiful balance between its dark fruit and savory spice comments. This Chianti Classico Gran Selezione was not produced in 2014."