The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is a beautiful wine that delivers elegance and grace despite the difficult conditions of the growing season that saw drought and hot summer temperatures. The wine shows depth and concentration with black fruit, crushed flowers, charred meat and potting soil. There is some phenolic bitterness here (probably due to the lack of moisture in the soils); however, the late-ripening Sangiovese grape performs nicely overall, thanks to those last few cooler weeks on the vine before harvest. That final phase of ripening has helped to solidify the wine's aromatic intensity. Luca Martini di Cigala has carefully crafted an impressive wine in this vintage.