Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 Castello di Monsanto

This wine is our most popular Chianti and always receives 90+ scores! When owner Fabrizio Bianchi purchased this ancient estate 1962 he began a transformation that continues to this day. The vineyards have all been revitalized and the winemaking is  modern and up-to-date. He was one of the first to eliminate white grapes from his Chianti blend. The blend is 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino. Instead of large Slavonian casks the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barriques. The Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "An elegant red, full of black currant, cherry, spice and herb flavors. Elegant and taut, in the traditional style, with fine complexity and a long finish. Best from 2018 through 2028." and Antonio Galloni at Vinous scored this 94 points saying "The 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva is another stellar wine from Monsanto. Here the flavors are dark and deeply spiced, with plenty of black cherry, plum, leather, cinnamon and clove overtones. The 2014 Riserva boasts considerable depth while retaining the classic Monsanto midweight sense of structure. The 2014 finishes with a real sense of tannic clout. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. Even at this early stage, the 2014 is a wine of real character and personality."