This is so classy, with finesse and sensitivity that are so mesmerizing. It's delicate and almost weightless, with a beautiful and energetic fruit and acid balance. It's medium-bodied and extremely long. Medium chewy. It goes on and on. Dark cherries, bark and lots of flowers in the finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years and beyond.

Now identified by the Gaiole subregion on the back label, the Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Castello di Brolio reveals a beautiful bouquet that is packed tight with carefully ripened fruit. There is a sweet spot in terms of aromas with a hint of candied cherry that is folded into iris root, dried mint and spice. This generous Sangiovese ends with lasting freshness.

A core of ripe cherry, plum and pomegranate pervades this vibrant, complex red. A balanced version, with a firm grip on the finish complementing its fresh acidity. The long aftertaste echoes the fruit and evokes mineral and Mediterranean scrub elements.

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio is redolent of red-toned Sangiovese fruit, white pepper, cedar, tobacco, incense and dried herbs. Bright and complex in the glass, with terrific energy, the Riserva is another fine offering from the Ricasoli family. In fact, the 2021 is one of the finest editions I can recall tasting