A restrained wine with bright and polished aromas of raspberries, red cherries, subtle mint, violets and licorice. Medium-bodied, juicy and smooth, with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Long finish. Drink or hold.
94 points, Aldo Fiordelli, James Suckling (Apr 2026)
Introduced almost 70 years ago, Castello di Monsanto’s Riserva is not just a flagbearer of the estate but a standard bearer of the category for the entire denomination. The 2022 is lovely; simply textbook. Flinty stone and coriander inflect the gorgeous strawberry nose, expanding with perfumes of jasmine and hibiscus. Tangy rhubarb contributes to the red berry core. Mid-weight, linear and elegant with ample layers of fine suede tannins, it's vivacious in energy and effortless in flow, and should drink gracefully for a decade at least.
94 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2026)
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, the Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva has a distinctly brambly and savory side, with bay leaf, dried herbs and white pepper alongside dark plummy fruit. The peppery character carries onto the medium- to full-bodied palate, where an interesting green note gives the wine additional savory complexity. There is plenty of personality here, with that recurring bay leaf character marking the finish. Some 200,000 bottles were made.
93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Sep 2026)
The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is a heady, boisterous wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, leather, incense, cloves and mocha portray an especially dense vintage for this bottling, but that is a reflection of an intensely warm, dry year. The Riserva is rather somber, but it is also complex, layered and totally beguiling. It fleshes out beautifully on the finish. Aging was two-thirds in cask and one-third in neutral tonneaux.
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2026)
A dark version, sporting blackberry, blueberry, violet and tar flavors, plus a hint of wild rosemary. Ripe, this is also fresh, fluid and dense with tannins. Just a bit burly on the finish today, with fine length nonetheless. Needs time. Best from 2029 through 2045. 25,000 cases made, 14,000 cases imported.
93 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2026)
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