A muscular red, with iron, almond, tar and underbrush aromas, which lend a savory element to the core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense, dusty tannins and a vein of mineral lend austerity as this red announces "hands off" on the tightly wound finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino. Best from 2026 through 2045. 833 cases made, 400 cases imported.

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Poggio is 95% Sangiovese and the rest Colorino and Canaiolo. A subtle and attractive perfume floats from the glass with candied rose petal, wild raspberry, and sweet herbs. The palate is surprisingly more expressive and explosive, offering notes of ripe cherry, wild herbs, orange peel, and dusty earth. It has a warming feel and still has structure, with good depth and concentration, ripe and present tannins, and wonderful energy. This is another one to cellar and drink 2025-2040.

The Castello di Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio is a blend of 95% Sangiovese with smaller parts Canaiolo and Colorino aged in oak for 18 months. The Vigna Il Poggio measures 5.2 hectares and sees a mix of local soils, including pietraforte (a type of hardened sandstone that tends to make structural wines of depth). The wine opens to dark fruit aromas, light spice, grilled herb and integrated tannins, and it closes with tart fruit and nice freshness. This is an 18,000-bottle release.

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a medium-bodied wine that is going to need a few years for the tannins to soften. In this tasting, the 2018 comes across as a Poggio with compelling aromatic presence but perhaps a bit less textural breadth than the very best years. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth linger on the savory finish. Another few years in bottle should do the trick. The understated side of Il Poggio comes through beautifully.