Badia A Passignano is one of the last vineyards to mature and one of the first to start, so it always has a very long growing cycle. The spring began with good weather with budbreak coming about ten days early, followed by a cool, early summer and a hot August. The Sangiovese-based 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia A Passignano shows some real ripeness on the close with more red and purple fruit rather than black fruit characteristics. This is a very traditional expression of the Tuscan grape and the least international of Marchesi Antinori's offerings. It's the kind of classic Sangiovese that belongs on the table next to a pappardelle with your favorite ragù.
94 pts - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, Drink 2020-2035.
One of the many highlights in this range, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia A Passignano is the most refined, elegant wine Antinori has made from their Badia A Passignano property. Medium in body and lithe, but with plenty of the fruit intensity that is typical of this site, the 2016 Badia captures a striking middle ground of richness and finesse that is captivating. Lavender, mint, blue/purplish fruit and licorice are all beautifully delineated. The gradual move towards less concentration in the cellar and larger 300 and 500-liter barrels has paid off handsomely. This is such a gorgeous Chianti Classico.