Produced since 1967, Volpaia’s Riserva is a selection of bunches from throughout the estate’s 43 hectares in the township of Radda. Due to the slow start in 2018, harvest began a few days later than average, taking place during the first two weeks of October. With purity and precision, strawberry, tobacco, vanilla and forest earth emerge from the glass. This is well-proportioned and balanced in ripeness with a core of concentrated red cherry. Fresh acidity props it up and smooth, rounded tannins frame the whole.

The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is fabulous. There are more 'important' wines in the range, but the Riserva delivers superb quality for the money. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and cloves show a darker side of Sangiovese that is quite attractive. Ample and virile in feel, the 2018 has the stuffing to develop well for many years to come. -- Antonio Galloni

Marked by ripe, fresh black cherry and black currant fruit, this red is fleshy and bright, with eucalyptus, tobacco and earth accents adding detail as this winds down on the solidly built finish. Best from 2023 through 2032. – BS