After multiple client requests, we were able to get some of the 2021 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva. Founded by the Bianchi family in 1961 and known for launching Il Poggio as Chianti Classico’s first single-vineyard bottling in 1962, Monsanto remains a benchmark for classical style. This Chianti is a 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo/Colorino blend from estate vines on Galestro and alberese soils around Barberino Val d’Elsa, fermented in temperature-controlled conical steel, then matured roughly 18 months, split between large casks, second-pass tonneaux, and select 500- and 225-L French oak before bottling. It shows red-cherry purity, Tuscan herb lift, an iron-tinged minerality, and refined, long-grained tannins, reflecting the vibrant, well-structured 2021 growing season. This Riserva offers pedigree, transparency, and real cellar potential at a price that makes sense by the case!

Antonio Galloni 94 points! "The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is a wine of pedigree and class. Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year. Crushed flowers, dark red/purplish fruit, mint, blood orange and pomegranate are some of the many notes that build in the glass. This is a sublime effort. (Drink between 2025-2041)"

James Suckling 94 points! "Spiced dark cherries, cassis, ripe plums and touches of cedar and mushrooms on the nose. This is juicy, structured and fine-grained, with a medium to full body and a long, firm finish loaded with fruit. Drink or hold."