Jay Kline

8.9

Believe it or not, in the early 1970’s there were less than a handful productive wineries in the Radda UGA; Castello di Volpaia was one of those. Radda was simply remote and difficult to get to. However, times have changed and today, there are more than 40 active wineries! Volpaia is somewhat unique in that its vineyards are some of the highest elevation in the entire Chianti Classico zone.

Popped and poured, the 2021 “Chianti Classico” pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with light notes of cherry, orange pith, dried green herbs and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If Radda has a reputation for more elegant wines, then Volpaia is a leading example. While it’s more “reserved” than many others, there is substance and has a story to be shared. Drink now with some patience but I think this will be even more enjoyable in the next 5-10 years. — 3 months ago

Jess

9.1

Medium-deep ruby color.
Aromas of dried cherry, tomato leaf, spice.
Dry. Flavors of morello cherry, clove, licorice, tomato leaf, black pepper, stewed tomato, herbal finish.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 4/5
Balance: 5/5
Finish: 4/5 — 6 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

That’s nice. Most typical Radda Chianti w/o the French oak.3 vineyards combined for some time in SS then into large Slovenian Casks. So, henceforth, just a push from the wood, not a glaze.
Blood red dirty nose, plum and spice.
Tart on the palate, bright, strawberries, cherries, a reminder of what was.
Delicious.
Great w fatty sausages and red sauce. — 8 months ago

Paul K

8.9

Easy to drink. Nice for the price. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured. The 2014 Montevertine is a little shy at first but with a little air, the quality becomes undeniable. Still developing, this is a beautiful and elegant expression from Radda with notes of Bing cherry, leather, red flowers, dried herbs, ferrous minerals and subtle spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and gives the impression that you’re drinking something special. While this is showing well now, this will drink very well through 2030 and likely beyond. — 6 months ago

Deborah M

9.3

2017 Castello di Ama L’Apparita was the wine that I pulled for the evening. Italian Merlot. Ama is an old, fortified village situated near Radda and Gaiole in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. On the nose, intense dark berries. A full bodied wine with layers of beautiful ripe fruit. Perfect balance. Stellar finish. Stunning. — 7 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

A nice amount of complexity and structure for an annata. Nose shows macerated cherry, moist gravel, spice, rich leather. In the mouth it’s got very good flavor intensity, with focused and piercing fruit and savory elements, all supported by some nice tannins and good acids. A vigorous specimen. — 10 months ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.2

Dark rubi robe, nose of dark fruit, top soil, spices and blackcurrant. Fine tanins and a long finish, very balanced, great great stuff. We loved it. — 6 months ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Jay Kline

9.2

This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.

From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years. — 6 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

Just bottled, the 2021 Chianti Classico is a powerful, wild wine. Readers will have to give the 2021 quite a bit of time, as it is dense. Floral and savory overtones, with a kick of white pepper and orange peel, open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2021 is an infant. Bright saline notes are a reminder we are in Radda. The 2021 is a blend of mostly younger vines from various parcels across the property. It spent 15 months in cask. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2023)
— 8 months ago