The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is a deep, enveloping wine that will drink well with minimal cellar. Dark cherry and plum fruit open first, giving the wine tons of immediacy. The French oak, which was once a bit dominant in this bottling, is beautifully integrated. Lavender, spice, leather and dried herbs add attractive aromatic top notes with aeration. The 2018 is one of the finest editions of the Baroncole I can remember tasting.

The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole (made from a traditional blend of organic 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo) shows a distinctively Mediterranean or Italian personality with plenty of summer-fresh cherry, rosemary essence and lavender bud. This wine marks a break from the other beautiful wines in this estate portfolio, thanks to its ethereal freshness and lifted brightness. It finishes with silky, polished tannins. The soils see a mix of galestro and alberese with tufo and clay characteristic of this warm spot in Gaiole in Chianti. Production is 17,262 bottles and 210 magnums.