2021 Barone Ricasoli Gran Selezione CeniPrimo Chianti Classico, Tuscany

The last of Ricasoli's vineyards to be picked, Ceniprimo is located on an ancient fluvial terrace of sand and silt. At 300 metres above sea level, it faces west to southwest. As with all three of Ricasoli’s cru bottlings, this is fermented with selected yeasts indigenous to the Brolio estate, and ages in 500-litre tonneaux of which 30% are new. Medicinal herbs and vanilla weave through dark red cherry. The ripe, dense, fleshy fruit is coated with ample dusty tannins, while zesty, citrussy acidity gives a refreshing, countering lift. It leaves behind resounding suggestions of leather, chinotto and earthy forest roots, and deserves cellaring.

95 points Decanter

This has lots of energy with a crunchy and vivid sense to it. Sour cherry, orange peel and cedar undertones. It’s medium-bodied, sleek and racy. Super vivid. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two when it comes together. Try from 2026.

96 points James Suckling

CeniPrimo stands among the finest vineyard expressions of Barone Ricasoli, a Gran Selezione sourced from one of the historic vineyards surrounding Castello di Brolio. The Ricasoli family has shaped the story of Chianti Classico for centuries, and today continues that legacy by crafting single vineyard wines that reveal the extraordinary diversity of Tuscany's greatest Sangiovese sites.

The CeniPrimo vineyard lies at around 480 metres above sea level on ancient galestro and limestone soils, where cool nights and warm days encourage slow, even ripening. Low yielding vines, meticulous fruit selection and patient maturation produce a wine of remarkable concentration, precision and longevity, with the outstanding 2021 vintage combining power with exceptional elegance.

The colour is a deep ruby garnet with youthful crimson highlights. Aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry and blood plum are intertwined with violet, rosemary, cedar and sweet spice. The palate is refined and beautifully structured, carrying vibrant red and dark fruits through finely woven tannins and bright natural acidity. Notes of tobacco leaf, liquorice, crushed stone and earthy complexity build towards a long, seamless finish that reflects the pedigree of this exceptional vineyard.

Magnificent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar, roast venison, porcini mushroom pappardelle or aged Pecorino Toscano. Although already captivating with a generous decant, this outstanding Gran Selezione will continue to evolve gracefully for two decades or more.