Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)
In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. An ambitious 60,000 bottles were released.
93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Sep 2023)
A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish. It’s a very nice wine to drink 2025-2040.
92 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2024)
The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2023)
After a warm summer with moderate water stress, Volpaia started picking approximately a week early than recent norms, with harvest lasting from mid-September to 6 October. A blend of selected bunches from estate vineyards planted between 1970 and 2002, the Riserva boasts a well-defined, appealing character, modern and sleek with a sweetness and softness to the fruit countered by a grip of polished tannins. Dark ripe cherry expands to thyme and crushed rocks with a hint of chocolate in the background. Riper and fuller than its 2019 counterpart – but with Radda-esque lift.
92 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2023)