“This is a fabulous set of wines from Rocca di Castagnoli. When it comes to quality and price, very few estates can match Rocca di Castagnoli. These new releases ooze with character.” – Vinous

And NOBODY can match our price on this Chianti that could double as a Brunello of the highest order. With a block party of scores looming around - 95 points from Vinous, 94 Wine spectator, a 93+ Wine Advocate and a 93 from Decanter!!

This is giving serious Brunello vibes. Except it’s near impossible to find a comparable Brunello for $29.

Cast as a Gran Selezione from Chianti Classico, the new category brings this historic region as close to Montalcino as it’ll ever get.

And in some cases, it goes beyond.

Gorgeous, redolent cherries galore, red, bold, black, Bing, and Rainier, time in the bottle has added on a cherries jubilee nuance in there too. Serious tannins from the perfectly ripe pick along with toasty, sexy oak have started to mellow, it’s got a firm grip certainly, but a softer and gentler one. Dried figs, bouquet garni, and freshly sliced prosciutto wrapping juicy honeydew slices all enhance the symphony of aromatics on the long and gracious finale. What a beauty this is …mi amore… needs to be savored to be believed.

And what a mythical vintage this 2016 was… Mic back to Mr. Galloni “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about Chianti Classico and its wines, the top 2016s have turned out to be just as extraordinary as I had hoped they would be…”

According to Decanter “this Gran Selezione is crafted from a site that was planted to vines at least as long ago as 1153” and for the mathematically minded that’s 870 years ago. Speaking of math, did we say it’s 95 points, yet we beat it down to under $30?! And with a host of other hefty reviews to boost?

Will. Not. Last.

95 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautiful and distinctive wine, but it also needs time to come together. Sangiovese bristles with energy and cut as this nervy, tightly wound wine shows off its personality. The combination of a high altitude site and whole clusters in fermentation yields a Chianti Classico endowed with notable power and intensity. Drink 2024-2042.”

94 Points – Wine Spectator

“An electric, complex red, exhibiting black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco flavors, encased in new oak that’s overwhelming, not only in terms of toasty, spicy flavors, but with another layer of tannins. Nonetheless, there’s so much going on here that this finds an equilibrium in the end. Best from 2024 through 2040.”

93+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The Rocca di Castagnoli 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautifully polished and glossy expression with plenty of rich and balanced fruit that gives the wine a clean and elegant entrée to the palate. It shows slightly textured tannins and a polished feel with long endurance and freshness. The wine hits all the right spots. Pair it with some fresh bread, caramelized onions and foie gras. Drink 2021-2032.”

93 Points – Decanter

“Rocca di Castagnoli is one of Chianti Classico’s historic properties. It once belonged to the Baron Ricasoli empire, for example, and this Gran Selezione is crafted from a site that was planted to vines at least as long ago as 1153. Wafts of vanilla mingle with cherry bark, liquorice root and balsam flowers. Upfront chewy tannins wrap around mellowed fruit while succulent acidity ups the ante. Flavours are ready but the structure needs time. Drink 2021-2031.”