Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

99 points Luca Gardini: "Sophisticated, elegant and charming, an ode to greatness. On the nose, small red fruits, especially raspberry, hints of laurel, iodized nuances ending on notes of eucalyptus. The mouth reveals its juiciness, density and crunchiness. Iodized tannins, very long persistence. Small red fruits notes in the aftertaste."

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is fabulous. There are more 'important' wines in the range, but the Riserva delivers superb quality for the money. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and cloves show a darker side of Sangiovese that is quite attractive. Ample and virile in feel, the 2018 has the stuffing to develop well for many years to come. Drink 2024-2038. (Sep 2021)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$45 list price] Forest floor, leather, pipe tobacco and baked plum aromas shape the nose. The full-bodied, polished palate exhibits dried cherry, licorice and espresso alongside tightly knit, smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2024–2028 (May 2022)."

93 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Produced since 1967, Volpaia’s Riserva is a selection of bunches from throughout the estate’s 43 hectares in the township of Radda. Due to the slow start in 2018, harvest began a few days later than average, taking place during the first two weeks of October. With purity and precision, strawberry, tobacco, vanilla and forest earth emerge from the glass. This is well-proportioned and balanced in ripeness with a core of concentrated red cherry. Fresh acidity props it up and smooth, rounded tannins frame the whole. Drinking Window: 2022-2029. (Mar 2021)"

Importer notes: "The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby-red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish. Alcohol 14.5%."