2016 Chianti Classico

Wine Spectator: Saturated black cherry and plum flavors are framed by earth, iron and tar notes in this dense, powerful red. Shows depth and a solid structure, but this is tightly packed and should be forgotten about for another three years. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,330 cases made. - Mai 2020

Vinous: The 2016 Chianti Classico is an explosion of floral-infused aromatics and red-toned fruit, all in the super-classic mid-weight style that is such a signature of the Querciabella house style today. Rose petal, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit are pushed to the forefront. This is the first vintage in which more than half of the wine was aged in larger format oak ranging from tonneau to cask. Vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a touch of fruit from Radda. The 2016 has enough freshness to drink well for another decade plus, but I would give it a few years in bottle for the bright acids to integrate a bit further. There are a number of pricier wines in Querciabella's range, but I am not sure any of them can match the Chianti Classico for pure pleasure. What a lovely wine it is. - Antonio Galloni, Feb. 2019