Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Brolio Barone Ricasoli 2015 (1.5L)

93+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio takes a few minutes to open and settle in the glass. The bouquet here is redolent of pressed cherry and dried blackberry with underbrush, dark spice, forest floor and even a touch of wild porcino mushroom. The mouthfeel is smooth and loosely textured, which gives the wine an accessible and immediate personality. These vineyard sites in Gaiole in Chianti are characterized by crushed alberese rock soils. These unique growing conditions always add to the focus and the sharpness of the aromas. This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Some 40,000 bottles were made." 10/18

90 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione is soft, pliant and inviting. There is plenty to like in the wine's soft curves and racy personality. Oddly, the Gran Selezione is the least interesting of the estates' three Riservas. Dark, ripe fruit and copious new oak stand out. There is good depth to the 2015, but I don't see the character that the best wines in this range offer." 02/19

95 Points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: "A fresh and linear Gran Selezione Chianti Classico with firm and chewy tannins and dark fruits. Full body. Structured. Give it two or three years to come together." 10/17

93 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "Sweet, ripe cherry and raspberry flavors define this Chianti Classico from start to finish, augmented by almond, iron and tar accents, with a hefty dose of grainy tannins. All the elements come together on the juicy aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2036. 250 cases imported. " 11/18

91 Points, Susan Hulme, Decanter: "Very well put-together, near or at the top of its peak, with beautifully textured fruit carried by perfectly-pitched tannins." 01/19