Castello di Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico "Il Poggio" Gran Selezione 750ml

So much lavender and sage with lemon blossom and cherry aromas. Medium-bodied with firm and fine tannins that give a crunchiness instead of a chewiness. Needs time to soften but already impressive and precise. A classicism that is hard to find in Italy. Drink after 2026.

Score: 96 points -- James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, 2023

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Poggio is 95% Sangiovese and the rest Colorino and Canaiolo. A subtle and attractive perfume floats from the glass with candied rose petal, wild raspberry, and sweet herbs. The palate is surprisingly more expressive and explosive, offering notes of ripe cherry, wild herbs, orange peel, and dusty earth. It has a warming feel and still has structure, with good depth and concentration, ripe and present tannins, and wonderful energy. This is another one to cellar and drink 2025-2040.

Score: 95+ -- Audrey Frick, jebdunnock.com, 2023