The 2016 Il Templare shows just how appealing this blend is with age. Soft and creamy, with plenty of freshness, the 2016 is just starting to peak now. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, mint and light floral honey accents linger. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won't be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
Castellare's 2019 Chianti Classico is a terrific introduction to this range. Bright and beautifully perfumed, with lovely energy, the 2019 is all classy. Crushed flowers, bright acids and cedar lift a core of red berry fruit. The 2019 is vibrant, deep and full of character. I loved it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
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. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is an absolutely stunning wine. The archetype of Rancia in the past has been of a big, potent Chianti Classico but in 2018, Rancia is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse. Silky, perfumed and indescribably finessed, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. It's a magical wine in every way. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2016 Geremia is even better than it was last year. Fresh, vibrant and full of energy, the 2016 is so wonderfully alive in the glass. The flavors are remarkably intense, and yet there is a feeling of lightness that keeps the wine brilliant. Crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, sage and gravel wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit. There is something about the 2016 that is magical, many things, actually. Geremia is one of the most distinctive and unique wines in Chianti Classico. The 2016 is absolutely stellar. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a fabulous choice for readers looking for an Ama wine to drink now. Radiant and expressive, with striking depth and exceptional balance, the 2017 is pure seduction. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, rose petal, blood orange and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. This is so beautifully done. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago
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A bold, juicy wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Legit offers plenty of immediacy. Dried herbs, tobacco and blackberry give this mid-weight Cabernet a good deal of aromatic complexity to play off its mid-weight structure. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)
— 3 years ago