Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva

"Castello di Monsanto's 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is a compelling wine from a difficult vintage in Tuscany. A deeper, darker ruby than its annata counterpart, the wine's serious character in the glass is underscored by hints of violet and luridity to the eye. Aromatically: immediately there is a sense of power twinned to reticence and savoury nuance. Hot limestone, dried herb, and blended Latakia tobacco blast from the glass. The wine takes some aeration to settle; it gains freshness, delineation and nuance, and focus with this air. Revealed: fresh and dried red fruits, hints of fragrant wood, red earth, blackberry, and dark plum. Touches of Cypress leaves and mint add lift alongside dried orange peel. The palate is utterly different to the annata; silken and very seductive with a very fine line of acidity and tannin that build only gradually then ebb away with great finesse. In short: a wine of beautiful structure and great reserve. The fruit here is seemingly shored up by great banks of limestone; youthful. Only with concentration do crushed cherry and blood orange emerge from behind this mineral dyke. Lovely touches of dried herb and gastronomic bitterness on the vitally youthful conclusion. Entrancing. Very fine." — David