2020 Barone Ricasoli Gran Selezione Colledila Chianti Classico, Tuscany

Very perfumed with hibiscus flower, citrus and fresh cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body with layers of fruit and very fine tannins that go on and on. Totally integrated. A joy to taste and drink but will improve beautifully in the bottle. All about harmony. Drink or hold

97 points jamessuckling.com

Of these releases from 2020, I feel that the Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most sensitive to the warm growing season. You sense more fruit ripeness in this wine with savory spice, leather and toasted espresso bean. There is plenty of plum and purple fruit that is framed by crushed stone and campfire ash. Although the bouquet is not quite as brilliant as the 2019 vintage, this expression from 2020 does indeed offer pretty, balanced freshness in terms of mouthfeel. The vineyards see limestone alberese soils, and the wine ages in 500-liter barrel for 22 months (with only 30% new oak). Production is 14,000 bottles.

These are exciting years at Castello di Brolio and the Barone Ricasoli estate headed by the charming Francesco Ricasoli. There is an exciting new addition to the portfolio, the 2020 Castello di Brolio Sanbarnaba, that Francesco describes as "the realization of a dream to make a great white wine." The focus is on Trebbiano, and indeed, there are elements of this wine that remind me of the regional benchmark for this thick-skinned variety made over in Radda in Chianti by Monteraponi. The styles are different, with the Sanbarnaba showing more primary intensity, but I think its cellar aging potential is comparable.

95 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

From the elevated vineyards surrounding Castello di Brolio comes a Gran Selezione that captures both the aristocratic history and modern precision of Barone Ricasoli. The estate’s origins date back to 1141, making it one of the oldest wine producers in Italy, and it was Bettino Ricasoli in the nineteenth century who defined the original formula for Chianti. Today the family legacy continues with a deep commitment to single vineyard expressions that highlight the nuances of Chianti Classico’s diverse soils. Colledilà is a prized Sangiovese site in Gaiole, planted on alberese limestone at altitude, producing wines of structure, minerality and remarkable ageing capacity.

Deep ruby with garnet reflections, the bouquet is layered and expressive. Black cherry, sour cherry and plum intertwine with violet, dried thyme and a subtle hint of sweet spice. A pronounced mineral edge runs through the aromatics, reflecting the limestone rich terroir that gives Colledilà its tension and longevity.

The palate is full bodied yet beautifully balanced, driven by vibrant acidity and finely etched tannins. Dark cherry and wild berry fruit form the core, framed by notes of tobacco leaf, cedar and earthy savoury depth. The structure is firm but polished, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by cherry skin, spice and stony precision. It is a powerful yet elegant interpretation of Gran Selezione Chianti Classico.

Pair with bistecca alla Fiorentina, slow braised lamb shoulder, wild boar ragù or aged pecorino. While compelling now with a decant, this wine is built for long cellaring and will evolve gracefully for twenty years or more, developing complex tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs and forest floor.