2018 Felsina Fontalloro (750ml)

Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Reaching “the absolute heights of Italian wine making” according to Italy’s Gambero Rosso, these highly rated Felsina selections are priced to deliver top value for Italian wine collectors and Felsina fans, a wide range of Tuscan treasures from one of Chianti Classico’s most esteemed producers and a perfect opportunity for mixing a case of exceptional Italian wine.

Spanning 600 hectares high in the rolling vine-covered hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fattoria di Felsina rose to the top of Chianti Classico under the leadership of Giuseppe Mazzocolin for over four decades, producing a range of wines from 95 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards and now managed by his son Giovanni Poggiali. Described as “a fantastic entry point for the Felsina range” by Jeb Dunnuck, the 94 pt. 2020 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga offers “classic Felsina savory, floral and tobacco accents” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous while strict selection and extended aging for the 96 pt. 2019 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva yielded richly concentrated fruit that’s “long and deliciously wild, with savory spice notes” according to James Suckling. From a single vineyard called “a Grand Cru” of Tuscany by Antonio Galloni, the flagship 95 pt. 2019 Felsina Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva offers distinctive aromatics hinting of balsamic and crushed stone with sleek, silky tannins reflecting Rancia’s “sense of place” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner and just beginning its long-lived evolution. Crafted as an IGT from 100% Sangiovese grown in Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi, James Suckling describes the 95 pt. 2018 Felsina Fontalloro as “full-bodied, yet polished and structured” promising to develop with age, while the 96 pt. 2019 Felsina Fontalloro is “elegant yet balanced, with a lingering spice and smoke-infused aftertaste” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson and summed up by Antonio Galloni as “terrific.” Crafted as a powerful expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with extended aging, the 96 pt. 2019 Felsina Maestro Raro is described as “beautifully rich and velvety” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner and “endowed with terrific depth and sheer resonance” by Vinous critic Galloni. Lovers of the world’s best sweet wines will want to save room in the case for the enticing 97 pt. 2015 Felsina Vin Santo, called “a fabulous finish to any Tuscan-themed dinner” by Antonio Galloni and crafted from a blend of grapes including Sangiovese that are dried in the traditional appassimento process that concentrates sugars and develops rich flavors.

Called a “reference point” estate in the region by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these top selections from Fattoria di Felsina deliver exceptional value from one of the region’s best, ready to stash away to enjoy whenever an authentic taste of Tuscany beckons.

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To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.

95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Oct 2021)

The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won't be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close.

95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2021)

A tight, fresh Fontalloro with dark cherry, chocolate and toasted oak. Some walnut, too. It’s full-bodied, yet polished and structured. Sort of shy. But this will develop really nicely with some bottle age. Drink after 2023.

95 points, James Suckling (Aug 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.0%

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$47.98

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