Fontalloro 2018 95VM/95RP
Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany
$64.99, $59.99 on 4+ (code: 4saves5)
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Felsina says that Fontalloro is their most representative expression Sangiovese. The grapes for Fontalloro come from vineyards that straddle the border between Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi. The vineyards lying within the Chianti Classico appellation are in the highest area of Fèlsina while those in the Chianti Colli Senesi are in lower elevations at (407-330m).

• Southwestern exposure and diverse soil compositions: Chianti Classico is stony and calcareous; Colli Senesi is sandy, loamy and silty with pebbles and marine sediments.
• Vineyards are a mix of 80s-00s plantings
• De-stemmed and pressed, the must is fermented and macerated in stainless steel for 16-20 days at cooler temps with punchdowns and daily pumpovers.
• New and into first used French oak barrels for 18-22 months of maturation.

95 pts Vinous Media (Galloni)
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 pts Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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.