Chianti Classico Riserva

2020 Italy Chianti
93 Points

Aromatic, this red features tomato leaf, juniper and lavender notes that complement the cherry, blackberry, iron and earth flavors. Firms up nicely, leaving a lingering impression of fruit, savory notes and minerality. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2042. 29,150 cases made, 9,000 cases imported. -B.S. 

Wine Spectator October 2023

Chianti Classico Riserva

2020 Italy Chianti
91 Points

An almost fiery nose has black pepper, grilled meat, hot tar and graphite, with earthy notes of mushroom and wet leaves underneath. Black cherry and plum sit on top of dark chocolate on the palate, where a bite of astringency from orange pith lifts up the finish. Palm Bay International. —D.C.

Wine Enthusiast August 2023

Chianti Classico Riserva

2017 Italy Chianti
89 Points

This is great success for the difficult and hot 2017 vintage in Chianti Classico. One producer was so despondent he actually told me that you could forget about the vintage entirely. This wine clearly shows that assessment to be inaccurate. The grapes from Rocca delle Macìe’s “Famiglia Zingarelli” Chianti Classico Riserva come from their four estates and is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with equal proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Riper and less energetic than their 2016s, it reflects the warmth of the vintage. Still, it has remarkable acidity for the vintage, which gives it life, and good weight without being overdone. I suggest drinking it with hearty pasta while you keep their 2016s in the cellar. 

Wine Review Online June 2020

Chianti Classico Riserva

2012 Italy Chianti
88 Points

The 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli is Sangiovese with small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon added to the blend. The 2012 vintage was a complicated one but the Zingarelli family sourced fruit from different sites to make this wine. They have also just completed a 35-hectare replanting effort. Dark berry fruit, spice and toasted almond give this wine a classic taste profile for Chianti Classico.

Wine Advocate October 2015

Chianti Classico Riserva

2012 Italy Chianti
91 Points

A blend of Sangiovese, with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas of ripe blackberry, baking spice, toasted oak and a balsamic note. The round, savory palate offers black cherry, ground pepper, anise, espresso and tobacco alongside polished tannins.

Wine Enthusiast September 2015
Platinum

Chianti Classico Riserva

2010 Italy Chianti
88 Points

From a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot comes this earthy wine with aromas of underbrush, tobacco, leather and meat juices. The palate offers juicy black cherry and plum layered with chocolate and coffee alongside somewhat astringent tannins.

Wine Enthusiast April 2014

Chianti Classico Riserva

2010 Italy Chianti
87 Points

The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli opens with a dark ruby hue and clean berry notes of raspberry and cherry. Sangiovese is blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot respectively. It's a mild mannered wine with enough fruit integrity and savory spice to keep it going a few more years.

Wine Advocate August 2013

Chianti Classico Riserva

2006 Italy Chianti
90 Points

The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva is a big, super-ripe wine loaded with black cherries, blueberries, French oak and spices. Stylistically, this is a concentrated, voluminous Riserva with terrific persistence and balance. It is one of the finest wines I have tasted here in some time. The Riserva spent 24 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Listed among Italy's Finest Values.

Italy's Finest Values Award
Wine Advocate August 2010
Platinum