"Bright, full ruby. High-toned aromas of red berries, violet and wild herbs. Dense and sweet but also juicy, with a creamy, fine-grained texture to the complex flavors of red and black fruits and exotic dried herbs. Nicely energetic Chianti, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is striking. Succulent dark cherries, flowers, mint and licorice burst from the glass in this exuberant, sexy Riserva. The tannins are nearly buried by the opulent fruit, but the wine retains great balance, while avoiding any sense of heaviness. The 2009 captures the heat and richness of the year while never abandoning its classic sense of structure. This is a superb wine from Monsanto with plenty of upside potential. Sweet floral notes add an elegant, feminine touch to the finish."