2019 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva [D94][JS94][JD94][V93][WA93][WS91]

Producer: Monsanto 
Region: Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy 
Varietal: Sangiovese 
Year: 2019 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"First produced in 1962, this Riserva is unusual in that it represents the majority of the estate's production – around four times as many bottles are produced as for the Chianti Classico annata. In 2019 there was a rainy spring followed by a warm but not overly hot summer, and ideal weather at harvest time. Bright hedgerow berry aromas are accompanied by floral notes and fragrant damp earth, while in the mouth it's really intense, with a good concentration of bramble fruits alongside spicy and woody inflections and a balsamic streak. Very light on its feet, it's deliciously fresh, succulent and long, with superbly integrated tannins. Excellent." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Crushed stones with black cherries and fresh flowers. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Still so young and fruity with wonderful energy. Give it another two or three years, if you can bear to wait." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is 90% Sangiovese and the rest Canaiolo and Colorino, raised only in used barrique and large cask. It pours a pure ruby and has floral and herbal aromas of cherry candy, black raspberry, forest herbs, tomato leaf, and dried roses. It is medium to full bodied, with good concentration, fine tannins, and a long, clean finish, and it is savory with dried herbs, oregano, dried cherry, salty earth, and an angular structure." 

Vinous, 93 Points 

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, incense, tobacco, menthol, licorice, scorched earth and savory undertones all take shape in the glass. There's real intensity here, not to mention tons of character. There are many beautiful wines in this range, but for the money, it is pretty hard to beat this Riserva." 

Wine Advocate, 93 Points 

"The Riservas from across the appellation are showing very well in 2019. This wine is no exception. The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (which is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino aged in different-sized oak barrels for up to 18 months) offers pretty richness and concentration. The wine's ample volume is fleshed out with dark fruit, spice and blue flower. It should be fun to try this wine in five years' time, when it loses its baby fat. Happily, production is very generous, with 200,000 bottles made." 

Wine Spectator, 91 Points 

"A sleek, tightly wound red, with black cherry and blackberry fruit shaded by iron, herbs and tobacco. Linear in profile and vibrant, with a long, slightly chewy finish. Best from 2024 through 2037." 

Alcohol: 14% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.