96/'#2 Top 100 Wines of 2025' points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Pouring a jeweled ruby red color, the 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Vigne is superb from start to finish. On the nose, it opens to aromas of wild raspberries, fresh thyme, rhubarb, and rosy perfume. The palate is energetic and has a core of ripe fruit propelling through its long finish, with well-defined tannins and savory mouthwatering accents framing the wine and salty and herbaceous notes lingering on the palate. A stunning Riserva, this is a selection of the estate’s best Sangiovese from three different vineyards (Vigna Istine, Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, and Vigna Cavarchione), raised for two years in 30-hectoliter barrels. It’s worth stashing some away to check back in on over the next 15 years. 4,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2025-2040 (Oct 2025)"
96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 is fabulous. Bright acids lift a core of red/purplish fruit, while floral and spice notes appear later and add freshness. This is the first vintage with a dollop of whole clusters (10%), an approach that works beautifully here. I also find the oak better integrated than in the past. I especially admire the wine's translucent energy. Drink 2025-2036 (Jul 2024)"
96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Aromas recalling lavender, Mediterranean brush, wild berry and spice come to the forefront on the vibrant 2021 Le Vigne Riserva. Elegantly structured and aristocratic, the palate delivers succulent red cherry, ground clove, anise and juniper berry framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. What a beauty. Drink 2026–2041. (Sep 2024)"
96 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "A selection from the estate’s three vineyards – Istine and Casanova dell'Aia in Radda, and Cavarchione in Gaiole – this could be Istine's best Riserva yet. And quality-wise, it stands on equally footing with owner Angela Fronti’s cru bottlings. As it ages for several months longer in wood, Fronti experimented with some whole bunch fruit from Cavarchione to inject freshness and elegance. Sumptuous aromas exude raspberry and dark cherry punctuated by mint and pepper. It reconciles a friskiness of spirit with a velvetiness of mouthfeel, where suede-textured tannins build with a youthful chewiness. An appetising finish of bitter forest roots. Drinking window 2026-2040 (Feb 2024)"
94 points James Suckling: "A graceful wine with cinnamon, earth, strawberries, rhubarb and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, it shows velvety tannins, sweet spices, refreshing acidity and a very savory finish. Juicy aftertaste. Drink or hold. (Mar 2025)"
96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 is fabulous. Bright acids lift a core of red/purplish fruit, while floral and spice notes appear later and add freshness. This is the first vintage with a dollop of whole clusters (10%), an approach that works beautifully here. I also find the oak better integrated than in the past. I especially admire the wine's translucent energy. Drink 2025-2036 (Jul 2024)"
96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Aromas recalling lavender, Mediterranean brush, wild berry and spice come to the forefront on the vibrant 2021 Le Vigne Riserva. Elegantly structured and aristocratic, the palate delivers succulent red cherry, ground clove, anise and juniper berry framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. What a beauty. Drink 2026–2041. (Sep 2024)"
96 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "A selection from the estate’s three vineyards – Istine and Casanova dell'Aia in Radda, and Cavarchione in Gaiole – this could be Istine's best Riserva yet. And quality-wise, it stands on equally footing with owner Angela Fronti’s cru bottlings. As it ages for several months longer in wood, Fronti experimented with some whole bunch fruit from Cavarchione to inject freshness and elegance. Sumptuous aromas exude raspberry and dark cherry punctuated by mint and pepper. It reconciles a friskiness of spirit with a velvetiness of mouthfeel, where suede-textured tannins build with a youthful chewiness. An appetising finish of bitter forest roots. Drinking window 2026-2040 (Feb 2024)"
94 points James Suckling: "A graceful wine with cinnamon, earth, strawberries, rhubarb and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, it shows velvety tannins, sweet spices, refreshing acidity and a very savory finish. Juicy aftertaste. Drink or hold. (Mar 2025)"
| Product SKU | 353573 |
| Producer | Istine |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| SubRegion | Chianti Classico DOCG |
| Varietal | Sangiovese |
| Designation | Riserva |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Ships To |
