Collezione di Paolo Chianti Riserva 2018

The Masi family estate sits high in the rolling hills above the Tuscan town of Rufina. This small Chianti sub-region is famous for producing some of the area’s finest wines, thanks to the height of the vineyards and the combination of hot days (which ripen the grapes) and cool nights (which lock in flavor).

For over two decades, Paolo Masi has been earning heaps of praise for making his family’s wines better and better. Robert Parker says that “Paolo Masi has made an excellent impression with the estate wines of his family property.” Italy’s top wine guide, Gambero Rosso says his wines offer “irreproachably clean fruit and abundant personality.” Previous releases of his Riserva have been ranked a “No. 1 Outstanding Chianti Buy” by Wine Spectator. And the latest edition is every bit as impressive...

Paolo’s 2018 Riserva boasts a gold medal from prestigious guide Gilbert & Gaillard. The grapes were selected by hand, and he insisted on using only the finest, top-grade oak barrels to age the wine (for a luxurious 14 months). Further bottle aging—for a minimum of 10 months—means it’s ready to drink on release, but will develop nicely if cellared for a few years.

Look for concentrated, black-fruit flavors—the hallmark of a top Chianti—rounded out by toasty oak. This benchmark Tuscan red is ideal with pasta in a rich beef, tomato and herb ragù. Beef, duck or lamb would also be excellent choices.

A longtime best-seller, it’s sure to go fast. Hurry for your share.