Sangiovese

wines

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is quite possibly the most elegant, refined version of this wine I have ever tasted. It does not offer the immediacy or impact of either the 2015 or 2016, but, instead, impresses with its elegance, persistence and total class. Bright floral and spice notes add perfume to a core of red-toned fruit. The 2018 represents another move towards greater finesse at Fontodi. It spent a year in French oak barrel and a second year in cask.Vinous Media | 98 VMThe Fontodi 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is simply gorgeous now and we should expect better things to come as the wine continues its bottle evolution. This organic, single-vineyard expression (with 29,000 bottles made) delivers impeccable balance and beautiful intensity throughout. The wine sports a developed fruit side that contrasts nicely against the spice and tobacco-like tones that come thanks to 18 months in French barrique and six months in botte. The 2018 vintage can sometimes be hard to read. For example, this wine offers sharp acidity but it also sees a 15% alcohol content plus lots of enduring sweetness and ripeness. The tannins are especially supple and sweet. I can’t wait to try this wine in 10 or 15 years from now. Vigna del Sorbo hits the market in September.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96+ RPBeautiful blue fruit with mahogany and violets. Full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins that show a beautiful polished and texture. So drinkable already. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 96 JSLight oak notes wrap around a core of black cherry, black currant, iron and earth flavors in this intense red. Firm and balanced, with a fresh, mineral- and tobacco-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2038. 1,700 cases made, 800 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WSEarthy scents on the nose, with notes of smoke, toast, biscuit and creamy blueberry fruit. It is robust on the palate, with smooth ripe tannins still showing up, very fresh with a well-integrated alcohol.Decanter | 93 DEC

Blackberry, black-cherry, bark and ink aromas follow through to a full body with tight, integrated tannins and a solid core of fruit at the same time. A little hard and tight now. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to open. Try after 2025.James Suckling | 96 JSThe 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another potent wine from Fontodi in this vintage. That said, it has more than enough mid-palate heft and overall intensity to balance its equally imposing tannins. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, lavender, spice and tobacco fill out the layers. The 2019 needs time to integrate its oak and for the imposing tannins to soften.Antonio Galloni | 94 AG

Delicate aromas recalling scorched earth and truffle mingle with mocha and botanical herb on this 100% Sangiovese. Elegant and enveloping, the supple palate features fleshy plum, orange zest and baking spice before an espresso finish. Soft tannins offer supple support. Drink through 2024. Kerin O’Keefe | 94 KODelicate aromas recalling scorched earth and truffle mingle with mocha and botanical herbs on this 100% Sangiovese. Elegant and enveloping, the supple palate features fleshy plum, orange zest and baking spice before an espresso finish. Soft tannins offer supple support. Drink through 2024. Wine Enthusiast | 94 WEThe 2019 Chianti Classico is fresh, vibrant and so expressive. Aromatic and expansive, with terrific nuance, the 2019 is one of the most elegant Chianti Classicos I have tasted at Fontodi. Crushed flowers, red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and pipe tobacco build into the delineated, vibrant finish.Vinous Media | 93+ VMThis succulent red is hallmarked by very pure expressions of cherry, raspberry, violet and mineral. Firmly built, with energy and a persistence that extends the fruit, tobacco and mineral elements on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 93 WSThis benchmark Panzano estate is still in the hands of long-time owner, Giovanni Manetti, but the new generation is very much in evidence: Manetti’s son Bernardo, daughter Margherita and nephew Costa now play fundamental roles as the estate continues to grow. Fontodi’s 2019 is striking and pronounced in fragrance. Liquorice and black cherry are offset by coffee, char and tobacco. Vigorous tannins yield slowly but surely as this makes its way across the palate. Its structure is well-proportioned with the ripe black fruit, substantial but never heavy or imposing, underscored by some tanginess. As always, it soars above its category.Decanter | 93 DECSweet berry and cherry aromas with plenty of flowers on the nose and palate. Medium body. Fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Delicious now.James Suckling | 93 JSOffering a clear snapshot of the vintage, the 2019 Chianti Classico draws its organic fruit only from Panzano from estate vineyards and a few leased parcels in the Conca d’Oro. The bouquet opens to fresh cherry, bright rose and other floral nuances. The mineral signature in this wine is strong and serves to give focus and linearity. It offers good flavor intensity to the palate, with elegant tannins to finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RPThis 2019 Fontodi Chianti Classico shows an attractive bright mid-deep youthful purple ruby color. The nose remains reticent on standing with notes of spice, pepper and mineral aromas of flint and iron, not especially fruity, but with some light cooked red fruits underneath. The palate is medium full bodied, mouth-filling with long savory, salty, spicy tannins, but a little lacking in depth of flavor in the middle. Nevertheless it is a serious style Chianti Classico meant to be paired with food.The Wine Independent | 92 TWI