Such a beautiful expression of Radda Chianti, the happy union of a great site, a great winemaker and a great vintage. It’s not a deep, impenetrable colour, it’s almost translucent and comes across as quite delicate in character, as per the ‘house style’ at Tenuta di Carleone, but the tannins are like cashmere and the aromas and flavours are wonderfully authentic Sangiovese without being ostentatious. Don’t mistake it for a fragile Chianti, just because it isn’t impenetrably dark, it doesn’t want for concentration, it’s just light on its feet. 13.5% alc. Drink now-2032.

Certified organic & biodynamic farming

Press reviews:

JancisRobinson.com (previous vintage): “Healthy mid ruby. Complex, balsamic cherry nose that is a little rich and with the merest suggestion of cardamom. Gorgeous, succulent palate with a core of cherry fruit and with polished, chewy tannins clinging to the palate on the finish. Great precision. (Walter Speller). Drink now–2032.” 17.5 points

Decanter (previous vintage): “Based in Radda, Tenuta di Carleone farms several parcels throughout this sector and beyond. The focus is always on high altitude sites, from which Sean O’Callaghan coaxes extraordinary purity of Sangiovese while confidently pushing the boundaries of winemaking. The 2021 is another beautiful success: it marries floral scents of rose and lilac with spicy herbs and summer berries. On the palate, plump cherries drip with succulent juiciness. Then, assertive chalky tannins take hold, drawing the wine out with savoury length. Very satisfying. Drink now-2031.” 94 points

Vinous (previous vintage): “The 2021 Chianti Classico, 100% Sangiovese from Radda, is sublime. Aromatic and delineated, with terrific energy, the 2021 soars out of the glass. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, spice, liquorice and new leather all come alive in the glass. It spent two to three months on the skins, with about 40% whole clusters. Aging was done in a combination of vessels with the goal of building complexity in the final blend. It is an exceptional wine in every way. Drink now-2036.“ 93 points

The Wine Advocate (previous vintage): “With fruit blended from various sites, this is a classical expression of Sangiovese that offers a good amount of varietal character along the way. That's all you can ask for from a wine like the Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Chianti Classico. What's more, you get the pleasure of drinking a rather funky (I mean that in the "cool" sense) interpretation from one of Italy's storied winemaking regions. The wine aged in stainless steel, cement and neutral oak, and the quality of the fruit is extremely bright with lots of red berry fruit and plump cherry. There are delicate notes of crushed rock and rosemary oil, like when you brush your hand over the plant. I love that tart acidity on the finish. Drink now-2030.” 93 points