2016 Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
96 points James Suckling
This is a wonderful pure sangiovese with wet earth,
mushrooms, pine and cedar with black cherries. Full body. Dense and layered
with ripe tannins, yet there’s vivid and energetic acidity. It drives to the
end and pulls you in. Top stuff. Drink or hold.
95 Points Decanter
Badia a Passignano's 65 hectares sit at 300 metres above sea
level on limestone rich clay in the area of San Casciano Val di Pesa. A
selection of the best bunches of Sangiovese, the 2016 Gran Selezione is
gorgeous, yet discreet rather than flashy. It is also immediately appealing
with lovely clarity of red cherry and violets. Savoury hints of iron and stone
emerge on the palate. This boasts silky sophisticated tannins, a tactile
powdery texture, beautifully integrated oak and vibrant acidity. A elegantly
balanced package. Drinking Window 2020 - 2032
94 Points Wine Spectator
A lush, round version, featuring milk chocolate hints and
cherry, plum, almond and earth flavors. Dense, with dusty tannins. The vibrant
acidity keeps all the elements defined on the lingering aftertaste. Best from
2023 through 2037.
94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Badia a Passignano is one of the last vineyards to mature
and one of the first to start, so it always has a very long growing cycle. The
spring began with good weather with budbreak coming about ten days early,
followed by a cool, early summer and a hot August. The Sangiovese-based 2016
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano shows some real ripeness on
the close with more red and purple fruit rather than black fruit
characteristics. This is a very traditional expression of the Tuscan grape and
the least international of Marchesi Antinori's offerings. It's the kind of
classic Sangiovese that belongs on the table next to a pappardelle with your
favorite ragù.
94 points Wine & Spirits
This wine shows a richer side of the 2016 vintage, with
dense flavors of black cherry and dried currant layered with notes of braised
fennel and cacao gained during aging in barrels (mostly Hungarian oak). For all
of its dark flavors and dense texture, the wine remains lively and balanced,
brightened by scents of lavender, menthol, basil and thyme. The flavors speak
deeply of Tuscany, though with a modern accent.
