Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2017

96+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "[$97 list] The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask. Drink: 2027-2042. (Sep 2020)"

95 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Fontodi’s solo Gran Selezione, this sits shoulder to shoulder with the estate’s iconic SuperTuscan, Flaccianello. While the latter is a selection of grapes, Vigna del Sorbo comes from a single vineyard in the heart of Panzano; a warm, southwest-facing site on Galestro soil. Dense and concentrated, the 2017 articulates the vintage without slipping into over ripeness. The nose offers macerated black cherry, liquorice, bay leaf and smoky oak. Hefty and structured, it is firmly framed by muscular, compact tannins. A core of racy acidity carries blackcurrant, bitter chocolate and roasted coffee right through the finish. Drinking Window: 2023-2036. (Mar 2021)"

95 points James Suckling: "Powerful, tight red with currant and plum character. Hints of new wood and bark. Full-bodied with dark berries and hints of dark chocolate, as well as other dark fruit. Flavorful finish. Solid. Needs time to open. Better after 2022. (10/27/20)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$97 list] The Fontodi 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is expressive, dark and thickly concentrated. I received my samples early and found that this wine was a little shy or slow to open in this early phase. If given extra time, the bouquet warms up to dark fruit, plum, rum cake and dried violet. I came back to the wine about two hours later and discovered a pretty note of crushed aspirin or carbon, with more crushed flower. The oak adds sweet spice and scorched earth, but these too will integrate with time. From a hot and dry vintage, I'd easily give this edition of Vigna del Sorbo a 15- or 20-year drinking window. Drink: 2022-2040. (Aug 2020)"