Bright, full red. Red plum, raspberry, tobacco, mint and sage on the captivating nose. Then nuanced and energetic in the mouth, delivering sharply focused flavors of bitter red cherry pit, violet and tea leaf. Finishes silky and long, with a slightly creamy undertone typical of the wines made in this generous, warm (by Chianti Classico standards) vintage.

93 points, Vinous (December 2014)

The 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva is powerful and dense, with all of the natural richness of the year very much on display. Macerated cherry, leather, spice and tobacco fill out the wine's frame nicely. There is lovely depth to the 2011, but I also get the impression it will drink well relatively early for a Castell'in Villa wine.

90 points, Vinous (July 2018)

The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva is fabulous. Powerful and classically austere, the 2010 oozes with class. A host of black cherry, plum, licorice, sage and lavender overtones develop with time in a complex wine that is going to need quite a few years to be at its best. The 2010 Riserva will thrill readers who appreciate firm, structured wines built for cellaring.

93+ points, Vinous (July 2017)

Castell’in Villa is a small estate in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the southern end of the Chianti Classico region. While the estate has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, its present reputation for long-lived wine stems from the current owner, Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, who bought the estate in 1968. With a firm commitment to local, traditional winemaking, this riserva is made entirely of Sangiovese from the best plots on the property. The wine is aged in traditional botti (large oval barrels) for two to three years, depending on the vintage. Susan Hulme MW: Initially reticent on the nose, with an edgy, nervy, vibrant style on the palate. Tenacious and assertive. Andrew Jefford: Its aromatic profile is soft and refined but very tempting, while on the palate it's smooth, elegant and fine, offering great ripeness and tenderness. Gorgeous stuff. Monty Waldin: Well-constructed and offering lots of depth while being focussed and bright, with a notable 'Chiantiness'. Tannins are quite dense but it has the fruit to match.

95 points, Susan Hulme MW, Andrew Jefford and Monty Waldin, Decanter (January 2019)

This gives an impression of sweetness stemming from the ripe plum, black cherry, licorice and tar flavors. Dense and lively, with a muscular finish. Coming into its own now, and should age another decade. Drink now through 2029.

92 points, Wine Spectator

Savory herbs, tobacco, mint, licorice and dark cherries take shape in the glass as the 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva opens up. Deceptively medium in body, the 2008 emerges over time with striking inner perfume and gorgeous depth, all while retaining its weightless, gracious personality. The 2008 is one of the more refined Riservas I have tasted from Castell'in Villa. It should drink well pretty much upon release.

91 points, Vinous (August 2013)

Good bright red. Nose began closed and brooding, but showed vibrant notes of redcurrant, mint and dried flowers with aeration, complicated by a strong mineral quality. Sweet and nicely lush in the mouth, with suave flavors of redcurrant, herbs and tobacco joined on the back end by a very strong element of gunflint. The long finish features a firm acid spine and youthfully chewy but noble tannins.

92+ points, Vinous (September 2012)

The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva hits all the high notes. Ripe and structured, yet also wonderfully contained, the 2006 boasts stunning depth, power and richness. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2006 is also likely to require a considerable amount of time to come around. All the elements are in the right place for the 2006 Riserva to develop into a splendid wine. The mid-weight, firm style is classic Castell'in Villa.

94 points, Vinous (August 2013)

The 2000 Chianti Classico Riserva is a good choice for drinking over the medium term. It is unusually supple and forward for a Castell'in Villa wine. Soft red cherries, rose petals, licorice and mint are woven together in a soft, supple fabric of total class and elegance.

91 points, Vinous (June 2012)

Medium bright ruby. Sweet, rich aromas of cherry, berries and leather, with a suggestion of black truffle. Ripe, concentrated and pure in the mouth, with rich flavors of forest floor, mocha and dark plum. The finish is glyceral, deep and long, with very suave tannins. The wines of this estate have a track record for aging particularly well; for instance, wines from the '70s and '80s are delicious today and represent great examples of what fine sangiovese can deliver with time in bottle.

90 points, Vinous (July 2007)