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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points.
The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer."
With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator.
Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank.
This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. |
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Made with a special selection of Sangiovese, the 2020 Fontalloro is generous and rich, and the wine sports medium-dark color and concentration. The winemaking team has succeeded in bringing out an especially elegant side to this vintage. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice at the back. Like the other wines in this portfolio, there is a pretty mineral note that makes for a consistent through-line in all these new releases.
96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (May 2023)
A vibrant red, with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with cherry, orange peel, earth, mineral and tobacco flavors. On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,800 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2023)
Very refined and complex nose with a hint of pine cones, botanicals and dark mushrooms to the zesty oranges, mineral, fine musk and plums. Juicy, dry but textured on the palate with stacks of dusty tannins growing on the savory, full-bodied palate. Long and quite mineral in the finish. Better from 2025.
95 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Sep 2023)
The 2020 Fontalloro is a sensual, enveloping wine. Dark red-toned fruit, sweet spice, tobacco, cedar and mint are all beautifully delineated. Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese from vineyards that straddle the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi appellations. The duality is very much on display here.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2023)