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94
OCTOBER 2024
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019
Made with 80% organically grown Sangiovese and 20% eight other varieties including Foglia Tonda, Malvasia Nera, Pugnitello and the ultra-rare Sanforte, the 2019 bold Cultus Riserva delivers aromas and flavors of ripe raspberry, red plum, licorice, bitter almond, dried mint and almond liqueur. Aged for two years in casks of varying sizes and in barriques, it’s still rather austere, with firm fine-grained tannins that need time. Drink 2026–2028.
92
JUNE 2025
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2022
Made since 1972, Badia a Coltibuoni’s ambassador bottling remains as true to its style as it does to expression of place. It always includes small but varying proportions of Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. As evocatively scented as ever, the 2022 wafts with strawberry blossom, rose, mint and fennel. The palate is midweight and linear, with a profusion of minerals ricocheting from the red cherry and pomegranate backdrop. Powdery tannins provide a sophisticated backbone that grips securely on the finish without over-imposing.
93
SEPTEMBER 2025
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2020
With a library collection that dates back to 1937, Badia a Coltibuono's Riserva is the estate's most historic bottling. Quantities were down in 2020 due in part to hot and dry conditions in the summer, but the wine's signature elegance endures. Demure and pretty, it entices with lilac, thyme blossom and tobacco. There's a sense of weightlessness, though no lack of flavour or density. Lavender-tinged ripe cherry is hemmed in by tight tannins. Classic but not dusty-and certainly not chasing any trends -this may not be the longest-lived edition but it's so appetisingly drinkable now. Organic.
95
OCTOBER 2024
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2019
Made with equal amounts of nine organically farmed native grape varieties (Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Foglia Tonda, Malvasia Nera, Pugnitello, Mammolo, Sanforte, Colorino and Sangiovese), the delicious 2019 Montebello delivers great fruit flavors of ripe plum and black cherry accented with notes of dark spice, grilled rosemary, camphor, juniper and a dollop of vanilla. Each grape is fermented and aged separately for two years in barriques before the assembled wine is aged for six months in large casks, resulting in a full-bodied, savory wine with taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2034.
91
JANUARY 2026
La Badia "Cetamura" Chianti DOCG 2023
This has a savory character with crushed red berries, dried herbs, hints of grapefruit peel and wet stones. Medium-bodied, vibrant and crunchy with a touch of white pepper, dusty tannins and a tense Julicy profile. Appealing and easy to drink. Enjoy now or hold.
95
OCTOBER 2025
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019
The Riserva Cultus, conceived by Roberto Stucchi Prinetti to highlight the diversity of native grapes in Chianti Classico, seems to be going through a more subdued phase, tasted a year on. Aromatic finesse remains, with a nose that is polished and cedary, reflecting its maturation in both barriques and botti, offering tones of palo santo and styrax layered over leather, fine tobacco and dried red cherry fruit. On the palate, however, the acidity feels less energetic than hoped, the transparency of the fruit revealing a savoury quietness at the core. The tannins are still a pleasure, suedelike in texture with a firm yet gentle grip.
96
OCTOBER 2024
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019
The 2019 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva is a stunner. A blend of 90% Sangiovese with the rest made up of Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino, all organically farmed and fermented with wild yeasts, it’s elegant and delicious, with great red berry fruit underpinned by layers of star anise, botanical herb, blood orange, violet and hay sensations. A hint of bitter almond lingers on the finish. Showing great energy and intensity, this promises years of fine sipping. Drink 2025–2034.
96
OCTOBER 2024
Badia a Coltibuono “Sangioveto di Toscana” Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2020
First released in 1980 and made only the best years, the Sangioveto from Badia a Coltibuono is a Tuscan icon. The delicious 2020 is fantastic, delivering enticing aromas of red fruit, blue flower and spice. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in barriques, only 10% new, the full-bodied, structured palate features succulent black plum, Marasca cherry, licorice and cake spice wrapped up in velvety tannins. Made entirely with Sangiovese, it’s smooth, fresh and enveloping, with weightless concentration and finesse. Drink through 2032.
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