Displaying a youthful red-with-orange color, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is layered with cedar, black raspberry, anise, and tobacco aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it is refreshing without any weight, and its clean acidity is evenly balanced through the wine, with fine tannins that take a pleasing angular feel that's well-managed. It's long on the palate, its delicate perfume hovering on the palate after the wine is gone, with notes of bergamot. This very appealing wine will continue to improve with another couple of years in the cellar. Drink 2026-2038.

The organic Badia a Coltibuono 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino that is submitted to three weeks of skin contact during fermentation and 24 months of aging in large oak casks. The key here is territory. This estate manages a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, which is one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that cut through thick forests. That wild character is transmitted here with aromas of forest fruit, spice and earth.

Cherry, plum, leather, iron, sanguine and eucalyptus aromas and flavors mingle in this firm, linear red, which unfolds nicely on the palate, with fine staying power. Just a bit crisp on the finish. Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo. Best from 2026 through 2040. 3,400 cases made, 1,338 cases imported.

The nose is savory, earthy, stony and even a little smoky, although a hint of dried cherries and dried cranberries provide just enough fruit. On the palate, that balance between high toned red fruit and smoky earthiness continues above a current of citrus, before a hot, acidic, lively finish.

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a good choice for drinking now and over the next few years, but not longer, as the flavors are already evolved. Dried cherry, worn-in leather, tobacco and spice all show a bit more evolution than I would like to see in a current release Riserva.