2015 Chianti Classico Riserva
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva opens to dark color richness and savory aromas. There is black fruit at the core of this wine, but the aromatic contours also embrace fleeting tones of smoked bacon, dark spice and garden potting soil. You feel the heat and exuberance of the vintage in the mouth, especially where soft fruit fiber is contrasted against the natural energy and acidic brightness of the Sangiovese grape (blended with 10% Canaiolo and Colorino in this case). Some 200,000 bottles were made. Laura Bianchi and her family did not make their Cabernet Sauvignon Nemo Vigneto Il Mulino in 2014.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tight and tannic for now, featuring cherry, black currant, leather, iron, juniper and tar flavors. Firmly structured, meaty and balanced on the tannic side, with a lingering finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. 26,000 cases made, 17,000 cases imported.
The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is bold, ample and powerful, with a real sense of breadth in this vintage. The tannins need time to soften, as the wine is a bit burly at this stage. This is another stellar release for a wine that routinely overachieves its peer group and price. Dense and packed, with tremendous structure, the 2015 has a lot to say. But readers will have to be patient, as it is very clearly early days for this wine.
Aromas of plums, cherries and hints of green olives. White truffles and deep earth, too. Full-bodied, so layered and beautiful with a fabulous texture and ripe tannins. It is so pure and minimalist in the end, showing the effect of traditional, hands-off winemaking. Don’t miss this. Decant before serving. One for the cellar. Drink or hold.