Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus Il Caggio 2019 (750ML)

97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "I love the aromas of cherry, orange peel and sandalwood here. Classy and aromatic. Full-bodied with tight and polished tannins that are precise and centered. It goes on for minutes on the palate. Needs time to open but already beautifully balanced. From 30-year-old vineyards on average. Drink after 2027." 11/23

97 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "Shows fine purity and intensity, from the focused cherry, raspberry, underbrush and iron aromas and flavors to the skilled use of new oak for structure, texture and hints of vanilla and toast. Opulent, yet sleek, powerful and stylish, this red is complex and long. Best from 2026 through 2046." 11/23

97 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "I have closely followed this wine since its first edition in 2015, and although the brand continues to expand on what is so far a limited track record, this is the best edition made thus far. A special project put forth by the Mazzei family of Castello di Fonterutoli, the Caggio 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus is a very etched and linear wine with an extreme sense of minimality and definition that I find irresistible. Notes of graphite and pencil shaving are followed by wild fruit, blue flower and melting tannins. The wine is light on its feet. The 2019 vintage set the stage for spot-on phenolic ripening with bright primary fruit that was submitted to some time in clay vessels followed by tonneaux and botte. In terms of fermentation, the team is moving away from punch-downs to embrace more delicate submerged cap instead. The 2019 vintage is slightly more concentrated compared to 2018, with a darker quality of fruit. Some 4,500 bottles were made." 09/23

98 Points, Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Decanter: "The masterclass was the first time I tasted the 2019 – and it was worth the wait! Aromas of red berries with a herbal top note and a touch of wood spice introduce a palate with lots of fruit concentration and a long finish. The tannins are firm but fine, balanced with crisp acidity. This wine is all about the purity of fruit – a stated goal of the Il Caggio team. It will improve over the next three to five years: drink from 2027 over the subsequent 10 years. (Drink between 2027-2037)" 02/24

98 Points, Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com: "This is intense, with vivid textures and flavours coming in waves. Creamy, enticing, mouthwatering, it bounces through the palate, first crushed raspberries and sour cherry, then orange peel, turmeric spices and roses, with supple tannins and a drawn out finish. Joyful. Vinified in stainless steel, native yeast aged in oak barrels and 10% ceramic jars for the first time this vintage, followed by 14 months in bottle before release. A vintage where the variations in night and day temperature were extreme, allowing for long slow ripening...." 07/24