Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia A Passignano Antinori 2015 (750ML)

94 Points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is a pure expression of Sangiovese. Fruit is sourced from the San Donato area of the appellation that is not an official subzone yet but is increasingly emerging as such. This wine is distinguished by a beautiful level of openness and softness (on the Sangiovese spectrum, which means you also get a bright dose of acidity). That softness or lushness comes in part due to the warm vintage but also thanks to the winemaking approach that relies on larger barrels (from 300 to 500 liters) and Hungarian oak that tends to be more porous and thickly textured for increased passage of oxygen. The wine offers beautiful balance between its dark fruit and savory spice comments. This Chianti Classico Gran Selezione was not produced in 2014." 9/18

94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is a terrific example of how responsive Sangiovese can be to site. Here, the flavors are darker and richer, while at the same time the wine possesses a level of textural resonance and breadth that distinguishes it from the more linear wines Antinori makes at the Tignanello vineyard. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol fill out the wine's frame effortlessly. This is another stellar wine from Antinori." 2/19

94 Points, James Suckling: "A 2015 red with opulent dark fruit, such as ripe raspberries and blackcurrants, follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a deliciously fresh finish. Just the right balance of acidity and fruit to give it nerve and brilliance." 4/19

93 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wione Spectator: "A traditional style, this red exhibits cherry, plum, leather and tobacco flavors. The wood aging lends dryness to the tannins now, yet there is an essence of ripe fruit midpalate and a lot of energy on the finish." 6/15/19

94 Points, Joe D'Angelo, International Wine Report: "The 'Badia a Passignano' Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is stunning in 2015. It opens with a gorgeous nose showing classic aromas of wild black cherry, dark berries, plum, leather, porcini mushroom and dried flowers. A medium plus body, with wonderful elegance and a beautiful texture. It continues to impress with its outstadning focus and concentration, as well as incredible purity and balance. While this is quite accessible today it should go on to flourish over the next decade or more."