A 2015 red with opulent dark fruit, such as ripe raspberries and blackcurrants, follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a deliciously fresh finish. Just the right balance of acidity and fruit to give it nerve and brilliance. Drink in 2021.

The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is a pure expression of Sangiovese. Fruit is sourced from the San Donato area of the appellation that is not an official subzone yet but is increasingly emerging as such. This wine is distinguished by a beautiful level of openness and softness (on the Sangiovese spectrum, which means you also get a bright dose of acidity). That softness or lushness comes in part due to the warm vintage but also thanks to the winemaking approach that relies on larger barrels (from 300 to 500 liters) and Hungarian oak that tends to be more porous and thickly textured for increased passage of oxygen. The wine offers beautiful balance between its dark fruit and savory spice comments. This Chianti Classico Gran Selezione was not produced in 2014.

Antinori's Badia a Passignano estate is located in the commune of San Casciano Val di Pesa, just 3 kilometres south of Tenuta Tignanello. It boasts predominately calcareous soil and is planted with clones selected from Tignanello's vineyards. Rich fruit references the warm summer but it's girdled by sleek, polished tannins. Currently swathed in heady spice and balsamic herbs, this needs another year to reveal the full spectrum of its nuances and will give plenty of drinking pleasure for at least a decade after that.