Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Buiano Antinori 2021 (750ML)

95 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Buiano, with fruit from the large and central Castellina UGA, is one of three new wines to be released by Marchesi Antinori. It is also the most mercurial of the bunch, starting off on a slightly closed note but evolving steadily and slowly in the glass to reveal a wine of distinct backbone and character. Ultimately, this is a wine of greater fruit weight and textural heft with red fruit ripeness and an interesting intersection of tangy licorice. The wine is generous and giving to the palate, thanks to its many layers of soft fruit and its chalky tannins. Production is now 5,000 bottles, but this program is expected to grow to about 20,000 bottles made annually." 10/24

96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Buiano is a new wine in this range. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2021 possesses tremendous depth and tons of structural intensity to match. Red fruit, gravel, spice, mint and white pepper race across the palate, leading into a huge, mineral-drenched finish. The Buiano emerges from parcels Antinori purchased from Capraia in 2017. It spent 17 months in 500-liter tonneaux. (Drink between 2026-2041)" 07/24

95 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This is a new single-vineyard Chianti Classico from a high vineyard in Castellina at 350 meters. It shows very black fruit with oysters and iodine, as well as mussel shells. Full and very rich with some mushroom and bark. Big wine, but remains fresh. Drink or hold." 08/24

96 Points, Kerin O'Keefe, KerinOkeefe.com: "Made in limited quantities from vineyards bought in 2017, the compelling 2021 Gran Selezione Buiano has an earthy finesse, starting with its enticing aromas of forest floor, exotic spice, new leather and balsamic whiffs of camphor. On the bold, concentrated palate, a backbone of firm, well-integrated tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, red plum, vanilla and cinnamon before a minty finish. Drink 2030–2038..." 08/25

95 Points, Susan Hulme MW, Decanter: "Acquired in 2017, the Buiano vineyard, with 51 hectares under vine and surrounded by green oak forests, lies at an average of 300m above sea level. The soils are a mix of clay-limestone and loose sand. The red clay retains not only water but minerals too so that the grapes are less stressed which tends to produce well-balanced wines. Buiano is matured in large, 500 litre French oak for 11 months. Black-ruby in colour, the Buiano 2021 has a dark, smoky nose with black fruit, blackcurrant and green herb notes. It is a little more closed and inscrutable right now but it just needs time to open up. On the palate the tannins are refined but firmer and more upright in style and accompanied by refreshing acidity. The wine is medium-full bodied, velvet-textured and appealing." 09/24