Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2019 3L

99 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright ruby red in colour. On the nose, subtle cranberry, some cherry and a noble savouriness; overall, it holds back. On the palate, tightly and densely woven yet very polished, very juicy in the course, very long and punchy on the finish. Finishes on slightly earthy notes and will age excellently. (2/10/23)"

98 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound. Drink: 2024-2050. (Feb 2023)"

96 points Susan Hulme (The Wine Independent): "This 2019 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve was originally a single vineyard wine but in recent years it has become a blend of the best Sangiovese from different vineyards. It has a very appealing sweet black cherry nose with some exotic oak spice like sandalwood or incense. It is smoky and creamy on the palate, round and spicy with lots of lavish oak which is covering the fruit a little bit right now. It has very attractive, tangy acidity and quite firm, slightly dry tannins. It is still very young and not quite in complete harmony yet but has great potential to age gracefully. For owner Giovanni Manetti, “The 2019 vintage in Panzano in Chianti had great balance - it was never too hot and never too dry.” Drink: 2024 to 2039. (Sep 2022)"

96 points James Suckling: "Blackberry, black-cherry, bark and ink aromas follow through to a full body with tight, integrated tannins and a solid core of fruit at the same time. A little hard and tight now. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to open. Try after 2025. (8/8/22)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "This smooth red is highlighted by macerated black cherry, blackberry and oak spice flavors. Harmonious, with a kick of refined tannins on the long finish. A polished style with the structure to age. Sangiovese. Best from 2023 through 2040. (9/30/22)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another potent wine from Fontodi in this vintage. That said, it has more than enough mid-palate heft and overall intensity to balance its equally imposing tannins. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, lavender, spice and tobacco fill out the layers. The 2019 needs time to integrate its oak and for the imposing tannins to soften. Drink: 2026-2044. (Jul 2022)"