Brancaia Riserva Chianti Classico 2013

The 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva hits all the high notes expected of this historic denomination. The wine is brimming with cherry fruit and luscious darkness with spice, leather and unsweetened chocolate. The blend is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, and the wine is aged in medium toast barrique (both new and neutral) for 16 months. Like the other successful interpretations from this classic vintage, this expression reveals an impressive sense of balance. If I had to make a 2013 Chianti Classico short list, this wine would be on it. Drink Date: 2017-2027. Score - 93. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Dec. 30, 2016)