Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2021

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$52 list] This expressive red features cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and orange peel aromas and flavors. Mineral and wild herb accents add depth as this cruises to the long finish, offering terrific balance and length. Though impressive now, this should evolve nicely. Best from 2006 through 2042. (10/31/24)"

95 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Red plums, wild strawberries, grape must, rosemary, cinchona, rhubarb, ginger and mixed spices. Full body, soft tannins of very fine grain and a finish of excellent quality and harmony. Drink now or age. (Feb 2024)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is fabulous. Vibrant and translucent in the glass, it offers so much pedigree. Dark cherry, leather, licorice, tobacco and lavender are some of the many nuances that open in the glass. Readers will find a deceptively mid-weight Riserva endowed with notable poise. Drink: 2025-2036. (Jul 2024)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Brilliant ruby red with delicate purple highlights around the edges. Complex nose with hints of ripe berries, slight hints of undergrowth and roses. Intense and juicy on the palate, balanced on the finish with powerful tannins. (Oct 2024)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "In the bottle with the black label, the Volpaia 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia (made with certified organic fruit) shows impeccable balance with fresh acidity and lots of bright primary fruit, cherry and blackcurrant. The tannins are powdery and give enough structure to cement a pleasant sense of firmness. In all, the wine is very true to Sangiovese. Drink: 2024-2030. (Jul 2024)"

93 points James Suckling: "A textured, driven and flavorful riserva with aromas of dark cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and some stones. It’s medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Focused and precise, with a velvety core of succulent cherries at the center and a solid and harmonious frame of tannins. Lively and flavorful finish with excellent length. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. (7/13/24)"

93 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Selected from southeast- to southwest-facing plots rising from 400 to 600 metres, the harvest in 2021 was prolonged, with Riserva grapes brought in between the end of September and mid-October. The wine emerges with palpable yet attractive wood spice and vanilla notes along with an equal measure of pure red cherry. The palate brings in irony mineral and earthy jasmine nuances. Elegantly weighted and unmistakably sophisticated with smooth tannins, this rings out with tangy acidity. Drinking Window: 2025-2035. (Feb 2024)"