2018 Castagna La Chiave Sangiovese, Beechworth

Medium-deep bright red-purple colour with a smoky, spicy, slightly nutty and smoked charcuterie bouquet that is complex and savoury. The palate is finely structured and penetrating, taut and long, the elegance of the wine unquestioned and the length also, tannins fine and discreet while adding the requisite structure and grip. A more sinewy, almost nervy wine compared to Un Segreto 2018, and very smart. (100% sangiovese) 20 JUL 2022 Drink 2022–2032

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Sangiovese, biodynamically farmed, raised gently but true by Julian and Adam Castagna at their magnificent farm and manor on the hill in Beechworth. Great humans too, full of character.

This is dark and brooding in fruit character but doesn’t raise its head above medium weight. Firm tannins wrap the wine up neatly, there’s bright, cranberry fresh and tangy acidity underlying and the wine speaks in perfume and palate of red berries, anise, fennel, salumi, cedar and white pepper. There’s an edginess to this wine, like the components haven’t quite synched, but in that, you can see quality, detail, the complexity inherent. It’s a wine of tension and energy regardless, and an overarching deliciousness is here too. Patience.

94 points Mike Bennie winefront.com.au JUL 2022 Alc 13.5% Drink 2024 – 2035

Succulent red fruit accents are bound by a sinuous tannic twine, doused in marjoram, mint, sandalwood, thyme and lavender, as it etches the palate. Some altitudinal freshness backs up the rear, towing the wine long while pulling the saliva forth in preparation for the next glass. This is very fine domestic Sangiovese.

Ned Goodwin MW

The Sangiovese in 2018 has both seriousness and structure. La Chiave is a powerful yet delicate wine with a mesmerising perfume. It has great depth with a gravel-like tannin structure in the mouth which I think holds its own with great examples of the variety from Tuscany and shows more than a touch of old-world charm.

Julian Castagna

100% Sangiovese.The nose is of blackberries, raspberry, sour black cherries with notes of chocolate and just a hint of truffle. In the mouth there are lovely cedary tannins with beautiful fruit which speaks of bright raspberries slightly caramelised apple and chocolate. It has a lovely mid-palate and a long savoury finish which seems to go on forever.