Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terraze San Leolino Fontodi 2021 (1.5L)

96 Points, Michaela Morris, Decanter: "San Leolino is a five-hectare terraced vineyard between 450 and 500 metres with a southeast to southwest exposition. A small portion of the vines are 50 years old, while the remaining were planted 20 years ago with a regional clone and a selection from Fontodi’s Flaccianello site. With an intense focus on floral and mineral aspects, this is a compelling synthesis of lavender, dried rose, sunbaked stone and iron, sinewy rather than brawny in muscles, but formidable nonetheless. Concentrated, crunchy dark fruit is stitched with emphatically chalky tannins, framed by stylish wood notes. Vertical and direct." 02/24

98 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino is another highlight in this range from Fontodi. It's a huge step up from the 2020. Red cherry, iron, spice, leather, licorice, crushed rocks and herbs make a strong first impression. Bright acids, the result of elevation and a year with wide diurnal swings, yielded a Gran Selezione of stunning elegance, complexity and finesse. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) followed by 7-8 months in cask. The San Leolino is one of the newer wines in the Fontodi range. The 2021 suggests it could be one of the new flagships here..." 06/24

96+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Now showing the Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino (made with certified organic fruit) is a delightful wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage such as 2021. Taking full advantage of new regulations that give identity to appellation subzones (or UGAs), the wine exudes the depth, richness and sunshine that Panzano fruit is known for. The bouquet is stitched together with generous black fruit, pencil shaving and light spice, but the wine ultimately stands apart for its threefold balance of fruit versus acidity versus oak spice." 07/24

96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This is a wonderfully crafted Chianti Classico with very finely textured, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It’s medium-bodied and goes on for minutes at the end. From organically grown grapes. Very attractive now, but much better in two or three years and beyond." 04/24