Chianti Classico Marchese Antinori Riserva, Tignanello 2020

Special Designation: Highly Recommended Antinori’s Chianti Classico Riserva is consistently outstanding, and classic in 2020. The grape source is the iconic Tenuta Tignanello, the source of Antinori’s game-changing super Tuscans Tignanello and Solaia. CEO Renzo Cotarella oversees the winemaking. His team blends 90 percent Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Franc after fermenting and malolactic conversion in open-topped, conical stainless steel tanks; aging takes place in 225-liter French oak barriques for 14 months. The wine’s iron, olive and tobacco notes deliver that Tuscan feel, and the riserva designation, for just a few dollars more, ensures greater depth, structure and longevity than the annata.

Score: 95

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 31 October 2023