A spicy Chianti Classico Riserva showing dried red plums, dried roses, mahogany, forest floor, cedar, white truffles, wet earth and leather. But it’s all so fresh and delightful. The palate’s so focused and refined as the firm, wonderfully savory tannins dance between layers of dried fruit, which remains so pure due to the wealth of punchy acidity. Hints of orange rind on the long finish. Like a baby Brunello. Drink in 2024.

(92+ points) Brancaia usually adds a little Merlot (20%) to this wine to soften and flesh out the crisp tightness that comes from Sangiovese. The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is a beautiful wine that plays its best cards in terms of mouthfeel. The bouquet is beautiful as well, with dark fruit nuances that are layered tight. You get wild cherries and red rose petal in generous supply. The mouthfeel is light to medium in texture, but it shows more smoothness and silkiness compared to many of its peers. Some 60,000 bottles were produced.- ML

Deep and dark, boasting black cherry, blackberry, tar and sweet spice notes. The firm structure is both supportive and refreshing, lending balance as this plays out on the long aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033. 345 cases imported. — BS