2007 Chianti Classico Riserva
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Monsanto’s 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva is simply beautiful. The opulent, forward fruit that is typical of the year is present, but a firm sense of structure keeps things from going over the top. If that sounds appealing, believe me, it is. Dark red fruit, flowers, minerals and spices come together beautifully in this serious Riserva. A round, harmonious finish rounds things off in style. Readers will have a hard time doing better for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Monsanto is a reference-point producer for fine Chianti. The estate’s top bottlings have a brilliant track record, but these entry-level wines deliver almost as much pleasure at much more accessible prices. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino, 5% Canaiolo. Oenologist Andrea Giovannini. Deep and still quite youthful ruby. Evolved nose with ripe dark fruits and a touch of tar. Compact if appealing. Quite elegant palate, but the compact red fruit struggles with astringent tannins on the finish at this stage. However, there seems potential for the fruit to open up more. (WS)