This is very perfumed and fruity with cherries, light currants and just a hint of vanilla. It’s medium-bodied with tight, polished and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Creamy and refined, yet structured. Subtle and very, very long.

Dark cherry, leather, spice menthol, rose petal and cedar flesh out in the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo. Powerful and intense in the glass, with notable density to match its vertical feel,the 2017 remains pretty approachable. It will drink nicely with minimal cellaring.

Presenting an extremely elegant mid-weight style, the Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo dances across the senses with grace and softness despite any preconceptions concerning this hot, not always easy vintage. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and tastes even better the next day. Delicate forest berry, cassis, dried herbs and crushed flowers give the wine a lot of material that is presented to the senses in careful stages.

Aromas of fragrant purple flowers, baked plum and a whiff of pipe tobacco form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere palate features dried black cherry, licorice and orange zest framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a coffee bean note.