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With this exceptional Chianti Classico Riserva the Mazzei family celebrates their famous ancestor Ser Lapo, in whose writings the name "Chianti" is mentioned for the first time. The upper part of the label shows a faithful reproduction of one of his writings (from the year 1398) with a beautiful calligraphy. "Don't worry about the cost of this wine, although it was expensive: its quality will make up for it."

Opened with classic aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and fine violet. Warm and full on the palate, firm core of dark sweet fruits, smooth tannins, rich and with elegant acidity. Spicy and long, with an unmistakable appetising aftertaste of sage and mint. SUPERIORE.DE

"As charming as the Gran Selezione is, the Ser Lapo is of a pithy and compact construction, precise and demanding, with a stony note and a lot of spice, dominated by the cherry aromas and accompanied by notes of wood right up to the finish. Weinwisser

"Sparkling, bright ruby red with opaque rim. Compact and red berry nose underlined with light spicy notes, deep plum. Smooth in the attack and course with juicy tannin, balanced body and fruity core, long and salty, exciting, powerful in the final". Falstaff

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is bold, rich and full of energy. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spice all run through the 2016. Bright acids keep the flavors bright, with all of the juiciness that is such a Fonterutoli signature very much front and center." Vinous

"Here's a terrific wine, at a reasonable price point, that gives you an authentic albeit contemporary taste of Tuscany. The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage with sharp lines, good freshness and delineated contours. The wine shows a tight core of black fruit surrounded by softer layers of spice and smoke at the edges." Robert Parker

"Bright aromas of sliced cherries and hints of strawberries with some orange peel. Full body and super fine and ripe tannins. They melt into the wine. Delicate yet energetic. Crisp finish." James Suckling

"A vibrant yet brooding red, with bracing acidity driving the cherry, currant, iron, tobacco and almond flavors. Complex and intense, this needs a few years to absorb the tannins. Delivers fine presence and length." Wine Spectator

The ruby red Chianti Classico from Isole e Olena captivates with its variety loyalty and the consistent style of the house. It presents itself with a fruity full bouquet and a fresh, soft and very balanced taste, in the finish cool and of nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fine, delicate fragrance, dense and deep, very classic approach in smell. Elegant structure in the mouth, with fine, sweet extract, delicate acidity and multi-layered tannin spice. A balanced, dense and characterful Chianti Classico with style and race. "Attractive sweetness in the back aroma, very clear and full of finesse. Weinwisser

"Lustrous mid crimson. Subdued, fine and promising nose. Vibrant palate that is still a little closed and with fine, polished tannins. Elegant and long." Jancis Robinson

"A dark expression of black currant, blackberry, iron and tar flavors renders this red slightly ominous, showing ripeness and harmony. Vibrant, ending with good grip." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Chianti Classico is a bright and convincing wine from Barberino Val d'Elsa, one of the main comuni in the greater Chianti Classico appellation. This is a smooth and silky Sangiovese that glides clean over the palate with strength and intensity. Bright cherry, blueberry and herbal accents with wild sage and rosemary characterize the finish. Like many other wines from the 2015 vintage, there is an evident touch of cherry sweetness on the close." Robert Parker

"Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and burnt orange follow through to a full body with round yet firm tannins. A lovely, pure finish. Shows focus and finesse." James Suckling

A strong ruby red, as expected from a good traditional and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and intense scent spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. On the palate well balanced and with a lot of youthful freshness in the long lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hearty and lively fruit of cherries and red currants, everything is finely tuned, looks medium-weight in comparison, but there is enormous elegance and depth through the inner tension, impressive style and quite long. Weinwisser

"Just mid ruby. Subtle, savoury nose with hints of sour cherry. Elegant and lithe with fine, long tannins and fresh, sour-cherry finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is a carefully measured wine that offers intensity versus grace and concentration versus finesse. This warm vintage brings forward dark fruit aromas with ripe cherry and blackberry. You also get the fresh acidity and crispness that is so specific to Gaiole in Chianti. The finish is velvety and mildly textured, and you do get that characteristic blast of fresh acidity on the finish." Robert Parker

"Coltibuono's vineyards are in the southern reaches of the Gaiole commune, planted with a massal selection from the estate's oldest vines. Only indigenous grapes - Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino - are blended with Sangiovese in this traditionally crafted Riserva. It's an elegant, unpretentious wine made with a gentle touch. The tannins are finely sculpted around tangy red currant and pomegranate, with accents of orange pekoe tea-leaf, garden herbs and forest floor throughout. This is light on its feet, mellow and accessible now." Decanter

"Pure and energizing, with berry, cherry, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors allied to a racy profile. Tense and resonant on the lingering finish, showing fine balance and persistence." Wine Spectator

Attractive Riserva with classic aromas of sour cherries, sour cherries, dark forest fruits and subtle liquorice. Elegant fruit and delicate structure on the palate, compact, well integrated tannins and impressive long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Flattering notes of forest fruits, pepper and dried flowers; balanced texture, acidity and tannin in harmony, long and extremely polished the final. Vinum

"In the fragrance initially still with present, wood-aged notes of ripe cherry, chocolate coated raisins and mint. Quite modern, flattering announcement with notes of wild berries, pepper and vanilla. On the palate a gripping Sangiovese with fine, light cherry fruit, firm structure and polished tannin structure, the freshness giving acidity and the tannin cut ensure a balanced texture. The final shows a racy length and is extremely polished." Weinwisser

"Bright and lightly austere with a dried mushroom and blackberry character throughout. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Silky texture." James Suckling

"Rich, boasting black cherry, plum and iron flavors matched to dense tannins. Shows intensity and power, with lively acidity driving the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva hits all the high notes expected of this historic denomination. The wine is brimming with cherry fruit and luscious darkness with spice, leather and unsweetened chocolate. The blend is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, and the wine is aged in medium toast barrique (both new and neutral) for 16 months. Like the other successful interpretations from this classic vintage, this expression reveals an impressive sense of balance. If I had to make a 2013 Chianti Classico short list, this wine would be on it." Robert Parker

Cherry red, fruit aromas of plum and cherry, spicy tones of leather, tar and chocolate, floral nuances of violet. Full-bodied, strong structure, fleshy body, persistent, fresh fruity taste with clear tannin presence, long finish with earthy tones. SUPERIORE.DE

"Almost black-purple color. Dense, penetrating and unmistakable Lagrein bouquet with dark berries, plums and blue flowers, acacia. Juicy, dense palate with plenty of fruit and fullness, carried by spicy notes and a fresh vein." Weinwisser

"This maturing lagrein may not have that much fruit in the nose, but it has got a ton of spice and savory character and plenty of structure. The ripe tannins build at the long, crisp finish." James Suckling

After 7 years of abstinence, Riecine finally produced another Riserva in the dream vintage 2016, which will be distributed in small editions of 3,000 bottles (0.75l) and 30 magnums to hand-picked specialist dealers.

Brilliant ruby red. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy at the base, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness until the long final of the fruit. Impressive the elegance and the fine melt. Once again this is Sangiovese at the top level known from Riecine! SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a fine wine, with a mineral and stony character that makes it stimulating in every phase, with plenty of fruit and a salty and racy acidity, which is balanced by the good substance; it lingers for a long time, elegant." Weinwisser

"Lustrous mid ruby. Spicy and minerally rather than fruit-driven on the nose with a hint of new oak. Lively redcurrant and cherry fruit palate with vibrant acidity. Long and energetic." Jancis Robinson

"This is how great Chianti Classico should be. So much lavender, violets and rose petals with orange-rind, lemons and blackcurrants. Medium to full body, lithe and pretty tannins and a juicy, mineral-driven finish." James Suckling

"Crafted from Riecine's Gittori vineyard in the commune of Gaiole-in-Chianti, this south-facing, terraced slope sits at 500 metres above sea level and was planted in 1971. After a natural cold maceration, the must ferments spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and is then aged in large casks. This wine is elegantly composed and fragrant, with a distinct earthy, fresh herb and stone personality. It demonstrates impressive precision throughout, with firmly assertive tannins giving ageworthy structure. There's a touch of resinous wood but this should smooth out with another year in the bottle." Decanter

 

 

Rich colour, clear scent of blackberries and cherries, some nougat, warm and inviting. With its sweet tannin and an excellent alcohol component, the intense, concentrated taste ensnares the senses. Full of elegance the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Juicy is the keyword to this Gran Selezione; it offers animating fruit and sweet density; a wine full of melting and strength; quite hearty and also in the finish again: juicy! Weinwisser

"Restrained berry aromas, notes of pepper and spices; elegant structure with buxom tannins, the fresh acidity optimally integrated, excellent and promising course with cut and character. Very well done." Vinum

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is one of the most expressive wines I have tasted from the estate. Beautifully perfumed, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much to offer. Lavender, spice, menthol, ripe red/purplish fruit and rose petal grace this translucent, beautifully detailed Chianti Classico. The 2016 is a jewel of a wine." Vinous

"Dense and powerful 2016 Chianti Classico with a deep and rich palate of fruit that is tight and compact. Lots of polished tannins to frame the wine. Full-bodied. The spice, bark, and dried-mushroom character highlights the ripe and luscious fruit." James Suckling

"The Mazzei family was one of the first and most enthusiastic advocates of the Gran Selezione movement. Their 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a crowning achievement for this storied Chianti Classico winery. From an iconic vintage, this blend of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Malvasia Nera, shows sharp and delineated lines. Black fruit, plum and cherry intermingle with spice, tobacco and tilled earth. The wine shows zest and energy at its core." Robert Parker

With this exceptional Chianti Classico Riserva the Mazzei family celebrates their famous ancestor Ser Lapo, in whose writings the name "Chianti" is mentioned for the first time. The upper part of the label shows a faithful reproduction of one of his writings (from the year 1398) with a beautiful calligraphy. "Don't worry about the cost of this wine, although it was expensive: its quality will make up for it."

Opened with classic aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and fine violet. Warm and full on the palate, firm core of dark sweet fruits, smooth tannins, rich and with elegant acidity. Spicy and long, with an unmistakable appetising aftertaste of sage and mint. SUPERIORE.DE

"As charming as the Gran Selezione is, the Ser Lapo is of a pithy and compact construction, precise and demanding, with a stony note and a lot of spice, dominated by the cherry aromas and accompanied by notes of wood right up to the finish. Weinwisser

"Sparkling, bright ruby red with opaque rim. Compact and red berry nose underlined with light spicy notes, deep plum. Smooth in the attack and course with juicy tannin, balanced body and fruity core, long and salty, exciting, powerful in the final". Falstaff

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is bold, rich and full of energy. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spice all run through the 2016. Bright acids keep the flavors bright, with all of the juiciness that is such a Fonterutoli signature very much front and center." Vinous

"Here's a terrific wine, at a reasonable price point, that gives you an authentic albeit contemporary taste of Tuscany. The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage with sharp lines, good freshness and delineated contours. The wine shows a tight core of black fruit surrounded by softer layers of spice and smoke at the edges." Robert Parker

"Bright aromas of sliced cherries and hints of strawberries with some orange peel. Full body and super fine and ripe tannins. They melt into the wine. Delicate yet energetic. Crisp finish." James Suckling

"A vibrant yet brooding red, with bracing acidity driving the cherry, currant, iron, tobacco and almond flavors. Complex and intense, this needs a few years to absorb the tannins. Delivers fine presence and length." Wine Spectator

Poggio Alle Gazze is a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a small addition of Viognier. Fabulously fragrant with flowers, pineapple, peach and some mint. Refined and expressive on the palate, well structured and wonderfully long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The "entry white wine" with spicy Sauvignon Blanc flavours and a fine sea breeze whets the appetite for a plate of seafood and fish on the nearby coast. Fine, spicy and with good freshness as well as floral notes it continues on the full-bodied palate, the well supporting acidity gives the right portion of freshness." Weinwisser

"The 2017 Poggio alle Gazze brings together the natural richness of the year with the lift of Sauvignon Blanc. Orchard fruit, lime, mint and white flowers add brightness to this impeccably balanced, refreshing white from Tenuta dell' Ornellaia." VINOUS

The ruby red Chianti Classico from Isole e Olena captivates with its variety loyalty and the consistent style of the house. It presents itself with a fruity full bouquet and a fresh, soft and very balanced taste, in the finish cool and of nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fine, delicate fragrance, dense and deep, very classic approach in smell. Elegant structure in the mouth, with fine, sweet extract, delicate acidity and multi-layered tannin spice. A balanced, dense and characterful Chianti Classico with style and race. "Attractive sweetness in the back aroma, very clear and full of finesse. Weinwisser

"Lustrous mid crimson. Subdued, fine and promising nose. Vibrant palate that is still a little closed and with fine, polished tannins. Elegant and long." Jancis Robinson

"A dark expression of black currant, blackberry, iron and tar flavors renders this red slightly ominous, showing ripeness and harmony. Vibrant, ending with good grip." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Chianti Classico is a bright and convincing wine from Barberino Val d'Elsa, one of the main comuni in the greater Chianti Classico appellation. This is a smooth and silky Sangiovese that glides clean over the palate with strength and intensity. Bright cherry, blueberry and herbal accents with wild sage and rosemary characterize the finish. Like many other wines from the 2015 vintage, there is an evident touch of cherry sweetness on the close." Robert Parker

"Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and burnt orange follow through to a full body with round yet firm tannins. A lovely, pure finish. Shows focus and finesse." James Suckling

 

Fantastic wine from a grandiose year, which embodies the style of the winery as convincingly as its terroir. Fruity scents with elegant spicy aromas characterize the penetrating bouquet. Elegance and fullness in the best contoured taste, which gives all components the necessary freedom. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Opened in the nose with notes of anchovies and rosemary, then lots of plum. Juicy in the base and course, builds up nicely, grippy, gripping tannin, salty in the finale." Falstaff

"Quite dark color for Poggio Antico, bright. Open fragrance, some bread crust, sweet fruit in the background, still very youthful. Rich dense fruit, beautiful clear structure, very balanced and elegant, a typical Brunello from high vineyards, very expressive and melting. One of the best Poggio Antico in a long time, deep, long and multi-faceted." Weinwisser

"Underbrush, red berry, tilled soil, pressed flower and a balsamic note are some of the aromas offered by this radiant red. The bright palate delivers crunchy wild cherry, baking spice and savory herb alongside assertive but refined tannins. It’s well balanced with fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Shows purity to the cherry, raspberry, spice and earth notes, with a well-knit structure supporting the flavors. Smooth, with soft tannins and a long, succulent finish." Wine Spectator

"A beautifully balanced and subtle Brunello with plum, berry, spice and fresh mahogany character. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a long finish. Very intense and harmonious. This is always a beauty." James Suckling

Fresh, sparkling ruby garnet. Opened with notes of pickled anchovies, then leather and dark forest raspberry. On the palate a lot of dense, substantial tannin, rapidly drags through, fine fruit, in the finale firm pressure. Put it away for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, medium ruby. In mouth and nose it looks strict and quite closed. Only with air does a scent of red berries and floral hints develop. Classic tannin structure on the palate, combined with a slowly intensifying, very pure fruit. "Very vital, much inner tension and minerality. Weinwisser

"The 2013 Barolo Baudana opens with striking, beguiling aromatics. Deep, pliant and sensual on the palate, the 2013 exudes fruit intensity to the point the tannins are nearly buried. Intense savory and mineral notes provide an underpinning of virile intensity that builds into the super-expressive finish." Antonio Galloni

"Seems open and forthcoming for the cherry, black currant and floral aromas and flavors, but this red has some punch too. The dense tannins provide support, while tobacco, green olive and mineral notes add depth. Terrific length." Wine Spectator