2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori

The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori offers a beguiling mix of Sangiovese energy and Cabernet Sauvignon savoriness. Translucent and energetic, the 2018 has much to offer. I would prefer to see a bit more Sangiovese character, but the Marchese is designed to be a sort of mini-Tignanello and it leans towards the more savory end of the spectrum because of the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon.

This wine is made exclusively with fruit from the gorgeous Tenuta Tignanello in San Casciano Val di Pesa (home to its namesake wine Tignanello, and Solaia) and sees mostly Sangiovese blended with a smaller part Cabernet Sauvignon and other complementary grapes. The Marchesi Antinori 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori vaunts a smooth and silky personality with ample berry definition and brightness. The previous 2017 vintage revealed more black and purple fruits because of the scorching hot and dry summer that year, but this wine from the cooler 2018 growing season focuses on red raspberry and cherry instead. That fruit is framed by light spice (from Hungarian and French oak) and licorice. Some 273,000 bottles were produced.

The density and polish to this is impressive with opulent, velvety tannins to the ripe fruit. A blue-fruit, lavender and mineral undertone to it. Flavorful and very long.