Casa Brancaia, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2021

This is an outstanding Chianti Classico Riserva. It has freshness, alongside concentrated, complex aromas and flavours of dried cherries, dark chocolate and toasted coconut, with masses of depth and richness. The tannins are rounded and velvety, and it has superb length. Upon opening, it is initially lean, but the flavours and texture expand and soften with exposure to air. This is an excellent example of how skilled blending of the juicier Merlot fleshes out the noble yet sometimes ascetic Sangiovese. Ready to drink now, this will also evolve well with bottle age over you can enjoy this at your leisure over 5-10 years.