At 98 points, 2016 is the top Chianti vintage ever for Vinous, which says:
A balanced growing season with no shock events yielded a set of truly exceptional wines. Near-perfect conditions with long hours of sun, well-timed rains and no excesses resulted in relaxed, drawn out harvest under warm days and cool nights, exactly the conditions in which Sangiovese thrives. The wines are simply extraordinary, but 2016 is a consistently brilliant vintage across the board. In particular the best Riservas in particular (not the Gran Seleziones) offer the consumer extraordinary quality and value.
At 96 points, the “thrilling” 2016 Chianti Riserva from Capraia is not only their top-rated Chianti Riserva of this great vintage (along with a $60 and a $50 one); it’s the top-rated Chianti Riserva EVER for the most serious American wine publication at this low a price!
Vinous says:
The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva will thrill Sangiovese lovers. Ample and expressive in the glass, with tremendous nuance, the Riserva is simply exceptional in 2016. Black cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, incense, menthol and licorice bring out the darker side of Sangiovese. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. The 2016 is very clearly a special wine in the making.
