Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Riserva 1999

Antinori’s 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico Badia a Passignano has become one of the stars of this firm. The 1999 (aged 14 months in both barrel and foudre) resembles the powerful, concentrated 1997 in its intensity and ripeness. Medium-bodied, with a striking perfume of sweet black cherries, strawberry jam, licorice, vanilla, and tobacco, this pure, voluptuous Chianti has sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide vibrancy as well as definition. This beautiful 1999 should drink well for 7-8 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker Jr., robertparker.com, Dec. 30, 2002)