Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole San Sano Antinori 2021 (750ML)

97 Points, Susan Hulme MW, Decanter: "Set in the Gaiole UGA and acquired in 2014, San Sano, at 420-450m, is the highest of the three new Gran Selezione vineyards. The soil is predominantly red marl and limestone (more than 50% alberese). CEO Renzo Cotarella says he fell in love with the vineyard and that the limestone produces wines with finesse. The wine is matured only in large oak to let the quality of the fruit shine through. There are intense aromas of dark red fruit, raspberry, redcurrant, blood orange and black pepper, with notes of flint, wildflowers and violet. The nose is delicately perfumed and persistent. On the palate there is a feeling of weightlessness and ease yet plenty of depth of flavour. The refined, silty tannins combine with racy acidity and lingering red fruit giving a bright and vivacious finish. It is the most expressive and the brightest of the three new Gran Selezione and is a dazzling beauty of a wine. What a debut!" 09/24

96 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "To my palate, this is the clear winner in this flight of four wines from Marchesi Antinori. The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Fattoria San Sano (with fruit from the cool Gaiole UGA) is characterized by elegant berry tones, a more transparent style and refreshing acidity (with a pH of 3.2 and seven grams per liter total acidity). That freshness defines the personality of this wine, as does its enormous range of aromas. You get blood orange, blue violets, fresh rose and star anise over a mid-weight mouthfeel and finely textured tannins. The wine performs with linear intensity and firm structure that is well-suited to bottle aging. This is a true beauty from a panoramic vineyard site, and it should be interesting to watch this program evolve over the coming vintages. My money is on Fattoria San Sano to excel above the others, but it could also prove less vintage-resistant than the others." 10/24

98 Points, Kerin Okeefe, KerinOkeefe.com: "The 2021 San Sano Gran Selezione from Marchesi Antinori is a seriously gorgeous wine. Made from a single vineyard situated 500m above sea level in the township of Gaiole, it’s intensely perfumed, with enticing scents of lavender, Mediterranean scrub, citrus and wild herb. Racy and all about finesse, the elegantly structured palate possesses great intensity, delivering Morello cherry, pomegranate, star anise and orange peel all underscored by pronounced salinity. Loaded with class and boasting youthful, nervous tension, this needs time to fully unwind and promises great aging potential. Drink 2031–2046..." 08/25

98+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Sano is stunning wine of the highest level. Bright acids drive through a core of red fruit, blood orange, white pepper, mint and chalk. Linear but not at all austere, the 2021 bristles with energy. The purity here is just mind-blowing. What a wine. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. The salivating, mineral-drenched finish is unforgettable. (Drink between 2026-2041)" 07/24

97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: " What energy here, with crushed-stone, violet and blue-fruit character, as well as raspberry and stone. It’s medium-bodied with great linear character and length. Energetic acidity and drive. Great intensity and structure. Secure in its sense of place and character. A new single-vineyard Chianti Classico from Antinori. Drink or hold." 08/24