Complex and meaty, with aromas of smoke, herbs, ground spices, graphite, ripe dark cherries and plums. Balanced and polished, with a medium to full body and fresh acidity leading to a chalky, tense and lingering finish. Drink or hold.

In the bottle with the cobalt-blue label, the Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda delivers good value and ripe fruit flavors that come off as blackberry, black olive and grilled herb. The blend is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, and it ages in tonneaux and botte grande for 21 months. You get extra volume and textural softness.