96 points James Suckling: "This is a wonderful pure sangiovese with wet earth, mushrooms, pine and cedar with black cherries. Full body. Dense and layered with ripe tannins, yet there’s vivid and energetic acidity. It drives to the end and pulls you in. Top stuff. Drink or hold. (4/26/19)"
95 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Badia a Passignano's 65 hectares sit at 300 metres above sea level on limestone rich clay in the area of San Casciano Val di Pesa. A selection of the best bunches of Sangiovese, the 2016 Gran Selezione is gorgeous, yet discreet rather than flashy. It is also immediately appealing with lovely clarity of red cherry and violets. Savoury hints of iron and stone emerge on the palate. This boasts silky sophisticated tannins, a tactile powdery texture, beautifully integrated oak and vibrant acidity. A elegantly balanced package. Drinking Window: 2020-2032. (2/17/20)"
94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink: 2020-2035. (9/19/19)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "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. Drink: 2021-2036. (Aug 2019)"
94 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$60 list] A lush, round version, featuring milk chocolate hints and cherry, plum, almond and earth flavors. Dense, with dusty tannins. The vibrant acidity keeps all the elements defined on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2037. (2/29/20)"
94 points Wine & Spirits: "[$60 list] A lush, round version, featuring milk chocolate hints and cherry, plum, almond and earth flavors. Dense, with dusty tannins. The vibrant acidity keeps all the elements defined on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2037. (Apr 2020)"
93 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark shining ruby. Initially somewhat restrained on the nose, but as it opens up reveals notes of cinnamon, gingerbread and ripe Amarena cherry. On the palate densely woven tannin with polished touch, beautiful fruit core, balanced and flows elegantly. Alcohol 13.5%. (2/13/20)"
95 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Badia a Passignano's 65 hectares sit at 300 metres above sea level on limestone rich clay in the area of San Casciano Val di Pesa. A selection of the best bunches of Sangiovese, the 2016 Gran Selezione is gorgeous, yet discreet rather than flashy. It is also immediately appealing with lovely clarity of red cherry and violets. Savoury hints of iron and stone emerge on the palate. This boasts silky sophisticated tannins, a tactile powdery texture, beautifully integrated oak and vibrant acidity. A elegantly balanced package. Drinking Window: 2020-2032. (2/17/20)"
94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink: 2020-2035. (9/19/19)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "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. Drink: 2021-2036. (Aug 2019)"
94 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$60 list] A lush, round version, featuring milk chocolate hints and cherry, plum, almond and earth flavors. Dense, with dusty tannins. The vibrant acidity keeps all the elements defined on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2037. (2/29/20)"
94 points Wine & Spirits: "[$60 list] A lush, round version, featuring milk chocolate hints and cherry, plum, almond and earth flavors. Dense, with dusty tannins. The vibrant acidity keeps all the elements defined on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2037. (Apr 2020)"
93 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark shining ruby. Initially somewhat restrained on the nose, but as it opens up reveals notes of cinnamon, gingerbread and ripe Amarena cherry. On the palate densely woven tannin with polished touch, beautiful fruit core, balanced and flows elegantly. Alcohol 13.5%. (2/13/20)"
| Product SKU | 347164 |
| Producer | Antinori |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| SubRegion | Chianti Classico DOCG |
| Varietal | Sangiovese |
| Designation | Gran Selezione |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Ships To |
