The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Del Sorbo ratchets up the concentrated richness and the sheer amount of material over the base Chianti Classico. Made from 100% Sangiovese, it’s still not opaque in color but packs an incredible intensity in its black cherry liqueur, new leather, truffle, tobacco leaf, and liquid rock-like minerality. Sangiovese on steroids, yet flawlessly balanced, with loads of ripe tannins balanced by rock-solid acidity and beautiful purity of fruit, this magical Chianti is one for the ages. I love it today with all its baby fat and opulence, yet it’s going to benefit from a solid 4-6 years of bottle age, and I suspect it will evolve for 30 years or more. It’s that good.

Fontodi's Vigna del Sorbo sits in front of the estate. Southwest facing on galestro soil, the vineyard totals 8ha at an altitude of 450 metres. First produced in 1985, it has been designated as a Gran Selezione since the 2010 vintage. Initially closed, this expands slowly with nuances of red cherry, currants, earth, sage and liquorice coming into clear focus. The palate is well-endowed with compact fruit that has effortlessly absorbed the oak and maintained its integrity. The tannins are vigorous yet harmonious, making for a powerful wine that manages to remain elegantly poised. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/italy/tuscany/fontodi-vigna-del-sorbo-gran-selezione-chianti-classico-29143#s7ReHbeGlJ2atVWx.99

What a nose of clay, earth, crushed stones, rose petals, red licorice, baking spices, tar and Chinese spices. The level of sophistication to the red-fruited core, laser-sharp acidity and polished tannins, which grip and caress the palate, make this the greatest Chianti Classico ever made by Fontodi. From organically grown grapes. A long, long finish. Drink in 2022.

96+ The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo (100% Sangiovese) is a wine that inspires a deep, deep breath into your glass. There's so much to take in and admire. So where to start? First, the wine shows a beautiful appearance that is thick and dark but allows for just enough ambient light to make it shine with ruby rays from deep inside. Then you have the bouquet that presents a solid wall of interwoven and ultimately beautifully balanced aromas. There is dark fruit, tobacco, leather, spice and polished river stone. Lastly, the mouthfeel reveals a similar level of extreme flavor equilibrium with very fine but still very young tannins. That mid-weight structure, matched to the wine's natural acidity, is a major guarantee of longevity. - Monica Larner

This is concentrated and monolithic, with blackberry and black cherry flavors augmented by tar, tobacco and iron notes. Offers excellent potential, but needs time to absorb the tannins. Powerful, showing fine length. Best from 2023 through 2040. – BS