97+ Once again, this is my favorite of the three Gran Selezione wines made by Barone Ricasoli. The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Roncicone offers energy and a great sense of focus thanks to the elegant mineral tones of crushed seashell and chalk that frame a core of elegant berry fruit. Indeed, marine fossils are often discovered in this 10-hectare vineyard site. I love the precision and linearity of the silky and long-lasting finish. The personality is finessed and fine.

There’s a freshness and zesty character to this Chianti Classico, with notes of oranges, cherries and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a creamy finish. Tannins are very bright. Drinkable now, but a year or two will give it time to get even better.

This red is a bit shy today, revealing a core of ripe cherry, strawberry, rose and iron flavors backed by vivid acidity. Its tannins are refined and well-integrated, while the finish is super long, salty and intense. Best from 2027 through 2047.

Introduced with the 2015 vintage, Roncicone is an 11-hectare site at 320 metres above sea level. With marine origins, the sandy clay soil boasts a strong presence of sea fossils and smooth, rounded stones. It is typically the first of Ricasoli’s single vineyards to be harvested. Gentle and pretty in its fragrances, this is decidedly red-fruited. It offers currants and raspberry with a suggestion of porcini and espresso. It feels mid-weight yet fills the mouth, its long, fine, sandy tannins making for an elegant flow. Mineral-tinged with tangy acidity, this demonstrates the succulent character of Sangiovese. (Drink between 2025-2035)

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone is a potent, intensely mineral wine. In this tasting, the Roncicone is not especially forthcoming, rather it is one of the most reticent wines in the range. Readers will find a Gran Selezione endowed with tons of salivating minerality, but less in the way of energy. - AG