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The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is dynamic and complex in the glass, a wine that shows everything Gaiole is capable of. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, mocha, licorice and cloves soar from the glass as the 2020 showcases its pedigree and sheer allure. Hints of floral and savory overtones blossom with aeration. What a wine! (AG)

A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now. (KD)

Fattoria di Scannano is the Calì family’s farm at Rapolano Terme, on the eastern edge of the Crete Senesi, where Chianti drops the word Classico along with a good deal of its price. 90% Sangiovese with 10% Ciliegiolo, the old Tuscan companion grape that softens Sangiovese and adds the cherry, grown organically, fermented in steel, a few months in oak, lightly filtered, bottled fresh. In the glass, it pours a bright ruby with violet edges. The nose is open and frank: black plum, sour cherry, wild myrtle, a touch of violet and dried herb. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and juicy, with round tannins, lively acidity and a clean, savoury finish that asks for food rather than attention.

The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is classic Fèlsina to the core. A blast of dark plum, game, incense, licorice, tobacco, and scorched earth makes a strong opening statement. Bold and virile in bearing, the 2022 Riserva packs a pretty serious punch. I would give it a few years to soften, as the tannins are formidable today. This is impeccably done. There are many notable wines in this range, but for price, value, and accessibility, the Riserva is pretty hard to beat. The 2022 spent 18 months in 500-liter barrels. (AG) 92+

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all finely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb. (AG) 95+

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2014 Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (95VN, 95WE, 94DC, 94RP, 92WS, 91JS). Vinous: "A powerful, structured wine, the 2014 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo won't be ready to drink for a number of years, much less be at its best. In recent years, the Sorbo has been much more forward, but the 2014 is decidedly austere and ungiving. Graphite, smoke, black cherry, plum and licorice notes infuse the dark, mysterious finish. (AG) 95+" (01/2018)

The 2024 Caposaldo Chianti (DOCG) is a bright, highly approachable, and fruit-forward expression designed for immediate, everyday enjoyment. Sourced from hillside vineyards across the broader Chianti zone in Tuscany, this wine is predominantly Sangiovese, blended with small amounts of traditional varieties like Canaiolo. To emphasize pristine primary fruit and juicy drinkability, it is fermented and raised entirely in stainless steel tanks, avoiding any heavy oak makeup.

The process is a painstaking labor of love. A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes are hand-harvested and then hung to dry (appassimento) in airy lofts for months, concentrating their sugars and flavors. The thick, sweet juice is then pressed and sealed in small oak and chestnut barrels, called caratelli, where it ferments and ages slowly for at least a decade in the vinsantaia—a process that exposes it to the natural temperature fluctuations of the seasons. It is rich and lusciously sweet but with a vibrant, electrifying acidity that cuts through the richness, preventing it from ever feeling cloying. This is a wine to be sipped slowly on its own at the end of a meal, or paired with the classic Cantucci (almond biscotti). A small bottle will last for weeks after opening, its flavors continuing to evolve. This wine is immortal; you can keep it in the cellar for generations.

The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered and wonderfully complete. Apricot jam, orange confit, lightly honeyed notes and dried herbs are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. The 2017 is potent and rich, but not at all heavy. Bright acids pull it all together on the long, sustained finish. (AG)

Pure Castellina in Chianti alberese translated directly into the glass. . Bibbiano’s staunch refusal to mask their top site with small, toasted oak preserves a profound nervous energy that slices right through the natural density of the fruit. It delivers a distinctly crunchy profile of dried blood orange, tart wild cherry, and crushed iron. Everything here is anchored by a rigid vertical spine.

Licorice, tar and iron aromas embrace the plum, black cherry, iron and sweet spice flavors in this powerful red. Dense tannins lend support, while the finish echoes earth and tar accents. Best from 2028 through 2042. 5,250 cases imported. (BS)

A fruity wine with lush aromas of red cherry jam, violets and subtle spices. Light-bodied, crisp, tight and chewy, with balanced tannins. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. (AF)

TOP100 #1 The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio is a total stunner. What a wine. Elegant and translucent, the 2020 impresses with a sublime, finessed personality that is impossible to miss. Fine tannins and lifted, sensual aromatics immediately announce a wine of utter class. On the palate, the 2020 is wonderfully deep and layered, with mind-blowing balance and exceptional pedigree. The 2020 is one of the very finest Il Poggios ever made. It has been nothing short of breathtaking on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Don't miss it! (AG)

There is incredible subtle complexity in this Chianti Classico. The nose shows licorice, bergamot, potpourri, violets and red cherries. The palate is graceful, with vibrant blood orange flavors, refreshing acidity and velvety, fine-grained tannins. Drink now or hold. (JS)

Isole e Olena takes its name from two neighboring hamlets united as one estate by the De Marchi family in the 1950s. The estate’s 2023 Chianti Classico is a Sangiovese-based red from Tuscany’s historic winegrowing zone between Florence and Siena, connecting the producer’s local roots with the region’s defining grape.

From the San Donato in Poggio subzone, the Marchesi Antinori 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is a well-balanced wine with good continuity between bouquet and palate. That space is occupied by plush fruit flavors, fine tannins and fresh acidity. The goal is to achieve more red fruit flavors, and the growing season was slightly longer this vintage, thus making that task easier to achieve. This is 100% Sangiovese that shows genuine varietal character. (ML)

A complex nose with delicate oxidative notes of tobacco and moss, dried herbs and then figs, dried apricot and marmalade. More dry than sweet on the palate, with a beautifully poised, long and agile progression and a succulent, raisiny finish with a savoury mineral freshness. Pure elegance. Deep, old sherry shade. (RB)

Winemaker Sean O’Callaghan pushes the boundaries just enough to make this thrillingly edgy yet delicious, serious yet not serious annata, characterised by some whole bunches, wild fermentation, long maceration, no fining nor filtering, and low doses of sulphur. It evokes chalk, blood, sweet herbs and white blossoms before opening to dark violet nuances. A midweight mouthful, the palate introduces raspberry, rust and blood orange. Cleansing and refreshing, with a light grainy grip that tantalises. (MM)

Castello di Volpaia is rooted in the medieval village of Volpaia, in Radda in Chianti, at the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico territory. Its 2020 Sangiovese-based Gran Selezione carries a designation that requires at least 30 months of maturation, including three months in bottle—a meaningful distinction within Chianti Classico.

Attractive nose of beautiful fruit, earth, spices and a nutty edge. Medium- to full-bodied and intense. It’s not overpowering but laser-focused, with firm tannins pushing through the long, bright and layered finish. Complex and delicious. Drink or hold. (JS)

The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is a bold, juicy wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and dark spice are front and center. This approachable, tasty Riserva offers plenty of charm. Even though it was bottled just two months before this tasting, the Riserva is quite expressive. The 2021 spent 10 months in cask followed by a year in cement. This is the finest wine I have tasted from La Leccia. (AG)

This expressive red features cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and orange peel aromas and flavors. Mineral and wild herb accents add depth as this cruises to the long finish, offering terrific balance and length. Though impressive now, this should evolve nicely. Best from 2026 through 2042. (BS)

Angela Fronti began her family estate production with the 2009 vintage in vineyards spread over 25 hectares between Radda and Gaiole in Chianti. This 2023 demonstrates integrity and precision of detail in the fragrance range, but its real strength lies in the balance between chiselled tannins, refreshing acidity and structure. (AP)

The 2023 Chianti Classico is endowed with exceptional class and purity, despite the challenges of the growing season. Black cherry, cedar, liquorice, spice, tobacco and menthol fill out the layers effortlessly. All this needs is a bit of time to soften the contours. The 2023 spent 16 months in cask. (AG)

The 2020 Castello di Fonterutoli "Ser Lapo" Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG) is a gorgeous, brooding, and deeply aristocratic release that beautifully channels the historic, rocky power of Castellina in Chianti. Crafted by the Mazzei family to honor their ancestor who penned the first known official document using the "Chianti" designation back in 1398, this cuvée is a tailored blend dominated by Sangiovese ($\sim 90\%$), fortified with a structural splash of Merlot ($\sim 10\%$). Rooted in Fonterutoli's legendary, high-altitude vineyards (ranging from 220 to 570 meters), the vines struggle through a highly stony matrix of Alberese limestone and fragmented Galestro marl, imparting an intense mineral depth that grounds the warmth of the 2020 growing season.

Bid on this 12-bottle lot of 2018 Fèlsina "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva (97VN, 95JS, 95RP, 92WS). Vinous: "The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is an absolutely stunning wine. The archetype of Rancia in the past has been of a big, potent Chianti Classico, but in 2018 Rancia is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse. Silky, perfumed and indescribably finessed, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. It's a magical wine in every way. (AG)" (09/2021)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 1997 Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico "Panzano".

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2009 Ruffino "Ducale" Chianti Classico Riserva, 1-bottle of 2010 Piazzo Comm. Armando "Piazzo" Barolo, and 1-bottle of 2011 La Lecciaia "Manapetra" Brunello di Montalcino.

Bid on this 12-bottle lot of 2018 Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (98VN, 97DC, 96JS, 96RP). Vinous: "The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is quite possibly the most elegant, refined version of this wine I have ever tasted. It does not offer the immediacy or impact of either the 2015 or 2016, but, instead, impresses with its elegance, persistence and total class. Bright floral and spice notes add perfume to a core of red-toned fruit. The 2018 represents another move towards greater finesse at Fontodi. It spent a year in French oak barrel and a second year in cask. (AG)" (11/2021)

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a stunner. Dense, powerful and forbidding, in classic Bellavista style, the 2021 packs an immense punch. It is also a very potent wine. All of the Bellavista signatures are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Graphite, sage, crushed rocks, lavender, mint and dried herbs all play off a core of cool, dark-toned fruit. The 2021 is a bruiser—a beautiful, vivid bruiser. I can't wait to see how it ages. (AG)

Almost a year on from my initial taste of this superb new Gran Selezione from Tenuta di Arceno, the co-fermented Sangiovese and Colorino from a high elevation vineyard is showing some lovely red fruit aromas – even a hint of blueberry – along with crushed rock and peppery spice. Incredibly vibrant, concentrated and zingy, it offers a saline mouthful of juicy dark berries which soak up the alcohol with ease, subtly framed by wood, herbs, graphite and earth. It ends with a floral and blueberry lift and a sprinkle of spice. Sapidity and verticality are the order of the day here. (JB)

The 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva Croce reveals pretty, perfumed aromatics and a core of dark red fruit intermingled with toasted oak. This is an especially linear wine in this vintage. Although the tannins are well-integrated at the outset, the wine lacks the plumpness to provide adequate balance. (AG)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2020 Barone Ricasoli "Ceniprimo" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (97JS, 95DC, 95RP, 94JD, 94WE, 94WS, 92VN). James Suckling: "Aromas of al dente cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, such as red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open grain tannins that caress like cashmere. Chewy, fresh and vivid. Give this three to five years to come together. Try after 2027." (06/2023)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2016 Rocca di Montegrossi "San Marcellino" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (96DC, 95VN, 95WS, 92JS). Decanter: "Vigna San Marcellino is both youthfully fresh and maturely complex. It includes a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and both this and the Sangiovese saw long post-fermentation macerations of over 30 days in 2016. Liquorice, tarragon and broom interlace with exuberant plum and understated toasted nuances that are seductive. Laden with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins, the palate is creamy in texture, while underlying chalkiness and saline minerality lend energy, leading to a sappy, refreshing finish. (MM)" (03/2021)

Pouring a deep purple hue, Bellavista shines from start to finish. From the black cherry and raspberry to dusty earth and truffle, with mocha and vanilla wafting demurely, aromas continue giving. On the floral-strewn palate, sumptuous and succulent dark fruit makes way for graphite-like crunchy minerals. The tannins are velvety smooth, and this is so perfectly sculpted, beautifully poised and elegantly weighted. As rich as it is weightless, it is also piercingly pristine and gracious in its sophistication. Hard to resist now but it promises to reveal more of its profundities with time. Given the recent changes to the Gran Selezione regulations, this iconic bottling will see a reproportioning of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. For this vintage though, its time-honoured 80/20 ratio remains unaltered. (MM)

Pouring a deep purple hue, Bellavista shines from start to finish. From the black cherry and raspberry to dusty earth and truffle, with mocha and vanilla wafting demurely, aromas continue giving. On the floral-strewn palate, sumptuous and succulent dark fruit makes way for graphite-like crunchy minerals. The tannins are velvety smooth, and this is so perfectly sculpted, beautifully poised and elegantly weighted. As rich as it is weightless, it is also piercingly pristine and gracious in its sophistication. Hard to resist now but it promises to reveal more of its profundities with time. Given the recent changes to the Gran Selezione regulations, this iconic bottling will see a reproportioning of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. For this vintage though, its time-honoured 80/20 ratio remains unaltered. (MM)