“The estate’s mid-weight, silky-textured 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva presents attractive notes of super- ripe red fruits, grilled herbs and spices on an ample, yet classically built frame that captures the generous warmth of the vintage while maintaining a sense of freshness as well as restraint. Showing outstanding length on the palate, roundness from the oak, notable purity and terrific overall balance, it is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. This is a lovely set of releases from Castello di Monsanto, one of Chianti Classico’s most historically important estates. Proprietor Fabrizio Bianchi was at the forefront of many innovations that later became standard practice. In the early 1960s Monsanto pioneered the concept of the single-vineyard wines, and its Il Poggio is credited as being the first such Chianti Classico. In the years that followed Bianchi removed the traditional white varietals from the Chianti blend, years before other producers followed suit. Today Monsanto makes wines in a slightly more updated style that remains very much connected to the past, and most importantly, to its unique terroir.” 91 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
