Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo Fontodi 2013 (3L)

98+ Points - Antonio Galloni/Vinous Media: ""A vivid, expressive wine, Fontodi's 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is tremendous. That is the good news. The not so good news, if I can say that, is that the 2013 is likely to require a number of years before it can be truly appreciated, much less enjoyed. Vertical and explosive on the palate, the 2013 is a huge wine. Black cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and dark spices emerge over time, but only with great reluctance. Readers will have to be very patient with the 2013. A host of violet, lavender, menthol and dark spices wrap around the huge, tightly wound finish."" 10/16

96 Points, James Suckling: "A juicy Chianti Classico with dried fruit and cedar character. Full and chewy. Very long. Juicy finish. So structured. Pure sangiovese from Fontodi's best vineyard and aged 24 months in wood. Serious. Better in 2020. One of the best ever wines from Vigna del Sorbo." 8/16.

96 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A wine like this gives you a visceral rush of excitement. The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo speaks to your most profound instincts and awakens a sudden and tangible taste of Tuscany. If you've ever visited Panzano in Chianti, you will be immediately transported there thanks to this fabulous wine. Vigna del Sorbo (100% Sangiovese aged in new and neutral barrique for two years) is authentic and focused with tart berry flavors surrounded by spice, truffle and rose petal. It offers a deep and lasting sense of richness. It is impossible to exaggerate my enthusiasm for this set of new releases from Giovanni Manetti's venerable Fontodi. I'll start with the 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve that left me speechless. This is the wine that taught me to love the 2013 vintage in Central Tuscany. I also want to underline my excitement surrounding the two outlier wines - the Syrah Case Via and the Pinot Nero Case Via - that bring a fresh new vision to the winemaking potential of Panzano in Chianti. These revolutionary wines break all the rules in one of Italy's most regulated wine regions. Good for Fontodi." Issue#228 12/16.

94 Points, Monty Waldin, Decanter: "Giovanni Manetti used to add 10% Cabernet Sauvignon to this. He grubbed those vines up, leaving his flagship a pure, richly scented 100% Sangiovese with moreish, crackling depth. Drinking Window 2018 - 2025." 2/18

90 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "A mix of leather, earth and black cherry flavors segue into an aftertaste of tobacco, iron and tea notes in this complex, beefy red. The tannins are rustic. Best from 2018 through 2029. 3,900 cases made." 8/16