3 bottles over past 6 months. Evolving nicely, it has a long life ahead. Straight from the bottle, fresh slightly tart cherry, acidity and very present tannin. With a 2-3hr decant, the wine really starts to show its stuff: characteristic black cherry that’s so addictive, leather, sweet tobacco. Acidity mellows and tannins are still present. Will try to hold my last bottles a few more years or pair them with rich red meat after a few hours in the decanter. This is a really great bottling from a great vintage and my current benchmark for Chianti Classico.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Quite a lot of Chianti (Must & Lees, Warren Street): Pure and balanced, there's a subtlety and hints of maturity blending well with the primary notes. Dark cherry and rose, earth, mint, a touch of tar. Sharp acidity and a smooth palate entry backed up with fine grip.
I love the 2015 Chianti vintage and I was expecting more from this producer. The classic Sangiovese flavors of tart cherry and earth tones were present, but muted. Perhaps it needs more time in the bottle. While I liked the wine, I've had better 2015 Chiantis from Tenuta Di Nozzole and Viticcio.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Vibrant with flavours of sour cherries. The initially firm tannins softened up giving structure, a velvety texture and a super mouthfeel, ending with an excellent Kirsch cherry finish. This wine had depth and dimension and in spite of the weight of alcohol I never detected the heat. Simply the fruit and acidity kept all the constituents in balance. A superlative expression of Chianti Classico. CHP 91 pts
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really really like this wine. classic sangiovese notes. red cherry. earth. damp earth on this one. decanted for an hour but wanted to do more but the mushroom lasagna was ready to eat. Probably good for a few more years but nothing wrong right now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Très beau CC de la maison Fontodi. Fondu et à point. Sur des arômes de fruits noirs juteux, d’épices douces et quelques effluves minérales. Tout est en place, c’est soyeux et la finale est de bonne longueur.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is only starting to come around. Really nice depth and fruit, but the tannin structure remains a little harsh. I am guessing this will be even better in 5+ years.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Excellent. borderline 93, better than last bottle. Fully mature with leather and lipsmacking tannin. For Chianti, acid levels are relatively low and the black cherry fruit is there.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Excellent. Drinking very well now. Yes, it shows the warmth of the vintage, but it does it really well. Halfway through this bottle I was thinking Brunello. OK, so that's not really what I typically want in a Chianti, but I wasn't complaining. Black cherry, eucalyptus, balsamic, plumy fruit, spice with a pleasing background sweet tannin support joined with a thread of rustic quality.
14% abv
I've got a couple more of these and the CT drinking window goes to 2028, but I don't see why you'd wait. (That said, this bottle, in my possession for 4 1/2 years was stored in good, but not perfect conditions, dark, with seasonal temperature variation from mid-50s to mid-60s. So ideally stored bottles may be less further along in development.)
From magnum. Chianti Classico that hits all the marks. Young and vibrant today, a bit of air and this is ready to go - everything falls into place. Should also do well with a few more years.
Shared with friends over pizza. PnP got better with more air. Same bottle as RockNRoller.
Classic flavor profile, darker fruits, tomato, savory undertones. Nice acids up front with fulfilling tannins bringing up the rear. Should continue to age well for the next 5 years but I doubt I'll be able to keep my hands off my remaining two that long.
Over delivers!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very dark red color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 2 hours. Another winner, showing well already, the '15 Fontodi CC has a classic old school style. Deep dark cherry and plum fruits, tobacco, spice and mineral notes, with a subtle floral underpin, this has a wealth of dark fruits that maybe even give a little sense of purple fruit. The tannins and moderate though very round and approachable. Very good. 91+ to 92pts.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
I decided to check in with another bottle of this with a beef shin ragu at the weekend and wow I’m so glad I did as this is really starting to sing atm. Slightly reserved on the nose the Fruit and tanins are now well integrated and secondary savory notes are really starting to develop. Enjoyed it so much I instantly went online tracked down another case.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnP - beautiful but would benefit from an hour+ decant. Nose of dark cherries, herbs. spice and possibly barrique(?) - there's a richness &earthiness to the aroma that is incredibly pleasing - I just can't put my finger on it. Flavors of dark cherries, herbs, tobacco and spice that is more lean and less opulent than expected for the warm vintage - and has a long perfectly balanced finish. LOVE THIS!!! 5+ years in the bottle couldn't hurt.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Was somewhat apprehensive on opening this based on previous reviews… feels like it is in a very good place. Aged, oxidative profile with some furniture polish (VA) aromas with a meaty/gravy like(?) umami character. Black cherry and pepper fading away but still detectable. More of a cerebral, thoughtful wine to accompany good food (ours was a slow braised beef shin ragu) rather than to demolish with cold cuts. Not necessarily sure this will continue to improve but willing to give it the chance
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice tension. Reminiscent of a top quality Burgundy Pinot Noir. I am very sensitive to high alcohol but this doesn't feel like it is 14.5% alc. Best upon opening.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From 75cl, perfect cork. Opened but not decanted 1 hour. Stewed plum scent, the unusually hefty (for a CC) 14,5% alc. pokes out of the glass in a threatening kind of way. Smooth, mid-bodied entry, with more overripe, stewed plummy fruit but hardly any tannins (yet...). Pleasant enough, but the mid-palate dries up and is just hot (alcohol) and inexpressively tannic. Mouth-puckering, coarse tannins set in on the finish, enhanced by alcoholic burn, iron filings, raw leather and more stewed fruit. So what's going on here? I got panned for posting a critical review of this wine back on 09.03.2021, so I recognise that some people love this style. Lionshield, thanks for your CT TN and personal roasting dated 13.03.2021! I put off opening my last bottle until I felt fully fit, sober and ready to enjoy. But no, this pretentious, muscled-up, sledgehammer has niente to do with the youthful cherry joys of good ol' plain Chianti Classico (its designation); none of the herbal depth, concentration and purity of fruit, not to mention the supple tannic grip I'd expect from CC Riserva; and nothing at all to do with elite super-Chianti with Brunello pretentions (100€ Castello di Ama, anyone?) Hope you enjoy yours more than I did mine... 87P
Fully matured, on its peak or even slightly beyond it, unlikely to benefit from any further aging. Tannins structure is starting to fade, and the secondary notes dominate the nose. Still has a discernible, although distant, cherry note. Long, lingering aftertaste. Very impressive wine overall
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Already perfectly drinkable, it shows all the character of Panzano. Intense nose of red fruits, iron, leather, orange, very intense mouth with a quite strong tannins still and nice acidity. The long finish bring everything at a close nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
90 minute decant. Served with a pizza dinner at home on a Friday night.
This has a lot going on. Classic tomato, cherry, savory mix with a little leather and soy on the finish. Tannins are firm but not annoying but this humble Classico should be able to last 5 or 7 more years easily.
Easy to like. Great QPR
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
94 for QPR - supremely excellent 'base' chianti classico from Fontodi. 15 is a great Tuscan year and it shows in all the wines of Fontodi. This is super polished, rose, with seductive red fruits and smidge of tomato. Excellent.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Day 1: Quite primary still after 3 1/2 years in the cellar with a firm tannin structure not in balance with the fruit, leather, and savory flavors. Still quite tasty though, poured half into a 375mb screw-top bottle upon opening and put it in the fridge.
Day 2: Much more of a complete package. Tannin has faded to a silky smooth texture of red and black cherry and light saddle leather plus earth. The savory notes have faded a bit. Very delicious.
Based on this bottle, I will hold my other 2 for about 5-8 years at least as this has the structure to go much longer. I just drank my last bottle of 2006 and i wished I waited longer with the other bottles as it turned into a much different wine of profound elegance and beauty after 15 years of age, like a fine Burgundy. I see this vintage doing something similar. Hold until at least 2026 and preferably 2030+.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Undoubtedly years ahead still for this wine but drinking well now. Its not a subtle thing. Big, savoury and slightly smokey and I just love the waves of those grainy tannins that roll across across the tongue for an age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very closed and angry at first, took close to two hours in the decanter to get going. Smells smoky, ashy and very savory with abundant sour cherry, beef jerky and leather. As can be expected this is full and richly textured, packing quite a punch. You can sense the heat of the vintage but still it is most recognizable and has plenty acidity and ripe, grippy tannins. I have always enjoyed this wine after it has settled a few years post release and this vintage is no different. Very enjoyable with and without a steak and as reliable as any wine when it comes to keeping the missus happy. I love how it maintains its trademark savory character despite the very hot vintage.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium ruby. Earthy, woodsy red berry nose, a bit of heat. Nice mid weight palate, nice crisp, light, true Sangiovese/Ch Cl profile, no trace of the hot summer except a bit on the nose - very nice. I won't wait too long to drink the other bottles we have.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Reaching its early drinking window. A wonderful Chianti Classico, on the slightly modern side. Nose dominated by cherry, graphite and leather. On the palate with some air it was nicely balanced with good complexity. Dark fruit, chocolate still some tannins. Clearly above most CC. Can’t wait how this will continue to develop.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pretty straightforward, well balanced Chianti. Sour cherry, a touch of herb at the finish. Nothing too special, a nice effort. Drinking nicely now but will hold a couple of years due to a decent backbone.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very good. Rather rich for Chianti but with classic savory acidity. Serious tannins. Has a long life ahead and has not hit peak, though certainly it is drinkable now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This note goes to CellarTracker member "HONEST BOB"
"Who did not have the best experience of this wine, unfortunately" (thanks for your honest note and an insight into your past)
The color is garnet red.
The scent is fresh, semi-ripe cherries, a little young black currant, a little touch of fresh semi-ripe plum, a little dark chocolate, a little leather and fresh tobacco, freshly peeled oak, orange peel, a little green herbs, perfumed by fresh red, a little blue flowers.
The taste is quite similar to the aroma in a pretty good way. Good fruit concentration, fresh fruit with a good depth. Taste and aroma are really well connected.
The acid is promoted and cleanses in a nice clean dry juicy / pleasant / easy way. Tannin, of a little black / green tea, a little licorice, green stalks ...
Ekstra: Oxygen for about 3-4 hours (gets much better over time) Is probably still young, seems like there are more layers in the taste, over time. Glass: Zalto burgundy "I'm buying a few extra bottles"
Sangiovese 100%. Barrel aged 18 months Galloni 93 p Decanter 93 p James Suckling 95 p Wine Spectator 93 p
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Easy drinking and generous right now, but not overly glossy or round at all. Universally liked at the dinner table of home made pizzas, this went super fast. Pretty wine and worth the $30.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour. This low-key, dusty, veiled wine reminded me of summers working in provincial Tuscany in the 1990s: brown sauce on brownish pasta, already stale, unsalted bread baked that morning with a brownish tinge, followed by brown fatty meat with sinews and unchewable bits where you wouldn't expect. And lots of tourists at the next table in rapture at how authentic the almost tasteless food supposedly was. The wine was generally a bit better: jug wine generally fine, bottled wine... well, you guessed it already: brown with thick tannins and heavy oxidation. Of course, this product isn't oxidised or overly tannic, and displays some good, if dusty, fruit under all that other brown dust (although I don't recognise the fruit descriptors in previous CT TNs: black cherry? Raspberry? No, not in my glass...) Inevitably, some think that anything with Fontodi on the label just has to be fabulous, but 15 months on from my previous bottle, I'd agree that this CC is "very Tuscan", and suggest that (unless you have a palate capable of discriminating 50 Shades of Brown and Dust) you don't need to experience it. Life is too short. Either spend about half as much money on a young, fresh, red-fruited Chianti (drunk 3 years after the vintage), or save up and buy a good Brunello (to be drunk 15–20 years after the vintage). 88P(?)
Already approachable now. Shows a lot of spicy oak flavors that pair very well with the juicy cherry flavors. Some tobacco and coffee flavors. Only medium acidity for a Chianti. Not the depth and length of the top wines from Fontodi, but this is quite gourmand in style. I can see it develop some interesting tertiary flavors over the next years. - 90 points
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Despite my prior vows, I couldn’t resist. This one is singing right now. It features beautiful fruit, black cherry, Tuscan dust; all the classic Sangiovese notes are present. It is unbelievably delicious, and my only regret is that I didn’t buy more of it when it was released.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Consistent with previous bottle. This outperforms for the price point. Fantastic traditional sangiovese and paired perfectly with braised pork shanks in a tomato based sauce.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Litt røde syrlige kirsebær, noe tørkede urter og lakris. Typisk sangiovese: aroma som støvete frosne kirsebær-følelse med sutting på kirsebærsteinen.
Følger nesen på smak. Knusktørr, frisk syre, kirsebærfrukt, støvete tanniner og lett bitter kirsebærstein/tørkede urter i utgangen. Middels pluss fylde. Frukten er litt tilbaketrukket og med et rustikt uttrykk. Bør nok ligge noen år.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
scents of sandalwood, dried cherry and leather, balanced with fine but sturdy tannin, medium bodied, clean flavors of cherry, wild blackberry, tobacco and mineral, structured, dry, excellent match with Tuscan ribollita, this could improve further with age but makes for a great dinner wine
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Blind tasting of four Tuscan Sangiovese wines. My favorite of the four. Tasted against 2014 CastelGiacondo Brunello di Montalcino, 2015 La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and 2018 Rocca di Castagnoli Fattoria di Scannano Chianti. Color a medium ruby, starting to show garnet notes. Cedar, cigar box, leather, smokey, dark red cherries, and raspberries.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
24hr later. Left yesterday 2/3 of bottle but what a difference ! Oak less present and very nice. Dark fruit, nice balance and finish. Quite a change... really like it !
Cherry and bitter Chocolate on the nose. Very blackcurrant in the mouth. Lots of baby fat to lose though. Tannins are bearable, better they're ripe already but it's still a bit austere.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gang of 5 in Covid19 times; Chianti Classico (@ RW): Herbs and spices, vanilla and toast in the bouquet. On the palate red berries, cherries, dark berries, firm acidity and slightly sticky tannin. Also a touch of sweetness. Complete wine with a future of at least 5 – 7+ years.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really lovely wine. Hits all the right notes for sangiovese with some sour cherry, cedar cigar box, floral notes, a bit of baking spice. Medium+ acid and tannins. Long finish. Really well made and plenty of structure for aging and development.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for half an hour, but was nowhere near ready, so after two glasses, returned in the bottle and refrigerated overnight. On day 2 was splendid, with succulent red fruits (predominantly cherries), spices and with that weighty but vibrant palate. Following the winery style - more rounded and structured wines. For me is closer to Bordeaux than CC, next try -2025.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is a good example of Chianti wine with a convenience quality/price. The color is ruby with a very light nail. In the nose appear with violet scent and little red fruit, in the mouth is mineral ad balsamic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A bit foursquare though it makes up for it in its juiciness. 100% Sangiovese that's raised in a combination of large casks and barrique of various age for a total of 18 months. That said, the wood can still be sensed somewhat on the nose, at first, though it's better integrated on the med/med+ bodied palate. 14,0% abv.; drink now with 30-60 minutes of aeration. recommended, but I feel there are far better/more complete values in this vintage.
No notes, but this was solid. Very nice Chianti. I found the ripeness pleasing, not too ripe. Rustic streak through it. At $30, not a stellar deal, but I'm not complaining - decent QPR. I've got a couple more bottles, I see no hurry.
[Note: My label shows 14% vol. I saw some other comments about label abv variance. I sourced my bottles in SoCal.]
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium dark red. Intense, slightly roasted ripe black cherry fruit and hints of campfire and warm earth. Dry roasted red fruit and a very big textured finish.
Just a little too ripe and roasted for me. Definitely a well made wine in a very hot vintage.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted over 2 hrs -med dark red with slight purple tinge -stony focused bright cherry faint tobacco -med acidity, med weight moderately full palate with black cherry fruit and thick med+ tannins -still a little too young to fully shine
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The 2015 Chianti Classico is opaque deep ruby in color. I decanted this for 3 hours and drank it over the following hour. The nose showcases aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, black plum, red licorice, rose and violet, tobacco, truffle, scorched earth, mocha, white pepper, and sage. There is also some heat which throws off the balance and needs time to integrate. Once in the mouth, the wine displays notes of blackberry, jammy blueberry, rich black plum, black cherry, cigar box, graphite, dried chalky soil, ground green herbs, black pepper, and espresso. This is medium- to full-bodied with medium (+) acidity, grippy medium (+) tannins, and a long finish dominated by black and blue fruit. Needs at minimum another 5 years, as it’s kind of a kick in the teeth right now, but the quality is certainly there.
100% Sangiovese; 15% ABV
NOTE: Some bottles display 14% ABV, others 14.5% ABV, and yet others (including mine) 15% ABV. I am waiting on an explanation from Fontodi.
Nose: Cherry, tobacco, medicine box. Faint projection.
Mouth: Pureed black cherry and black currant flavors are velvet: melded completely to each other, as they seamlessly lead a midpalate of light medicine herb, blonde tobacco, and chalk. Fine grained tannins reserve a bit of pleasant grip.
Overall: Beautifully textured, with plush, vibrant, fruit and a laidback finish. This shows just like a riserva, with developed black fruit and a well integrated oak program. A hot vintage shows the darker end of the spectrum here, but everything remains pure and balanced. Most Chianti Classicos are sighted for the dinner table, this one drinks more than well enough on its own. Drink now through 2031.
93.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Out of 375mL. Classic Chianti nose of tart red cherries and sage. Medium weight red fruit with rustic, drying tannins. Lacks elegance with the tannins dominant right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
We opened this young because we’re quarantined and it was in the house. I know. But Mot wanted to try a young Chianti Classico to see if she could get notes down (we have two 750MLs we’re holding for a few more decades. Day one was very tight (even with a solid decent) both on the nose and in the mouth. By day two this has opened up. The nose has a slight undercurrent of red fruit but is mostly spice, rich leather, and pepper with smokiness. In the mouth it’s leather and tobacco with a dash of pepper. Obviously we opened this wayyyyyyyy too young, but it was fun to see how this looks today to try to imagine how it will be in the future. During this dystopia it’s nice to imagine the normalcies that will return, somewhere down the line.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Palate: Very elegant and full of finesse - far from other darker, more concentrated Chianti’s. Noticeably, but quite fine tannins. Some licorice as well.
Very nice QPR here! Can’t wait to taste Vigna del Sorbo and Flacianello.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bottle off the wine list over lunch at Enorme. Appearance is clear, medium intensity, ruby colour. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of dusty Tuscan earth, finely crushed rocks and chalk minerality, sour red cherries, black cherries with more air. Bits of mint. Developing. On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.5%), supple high tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of classic sour red cherries, black cherries, glossy blackberries, sweet spices, cinnamon, underlying crushed rocks and chalky minerality. Lovely earth soil inflections with air. Medium+ finish. Very good quality. Young fruity and oh so juicy enjoyable Chianti Classico. Very bang for the buck. Will develop well over the next 4-5 years. 100% Sangiovese. 6 months in large oak casks and then 18 months in French oak barriques.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Lovely 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico. Nicely integrated though quite prominent tannic structure. Lots of dark fruit and plum, black currant. Quite an oak -y, cream -y texture. The alcohol in the aftertaste was very apparent to me and surely my taste buds didn't fool me. This Chianti weighs in at 15%. Which seems like a lot to me, though I'm no Chianti expert.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From 75cl, perfect cork. Decanted 1 hour with little effect. This dark-coloured (for a Chianti), dark fruited, po-faced/serious (for a Chianti), with 14,5% alc distinctly heady (for a Chianti) wine presents with a very pleasant scent of pine forest on a warm evening. But the palate is monolithic and plain thick (for a Chianti) and there is a tight knot of (polite) tannin at the finish. I hope and imagine there may be potential for improvement in a few years when (if?) it opens up. The hot-year alcohol level worries me, however, as I fear it may 1) indicate this wine won't mature into a delightful Chianti and 2) be a harbinger of yet another region I love destined for a hot, arid future as "normal" years become a thing of nostalgic memory. Try again in 2021/22. 88P(?)
On opening, nose of plums, dark fruits. There was quite a dominant woody aroma to it. Palate had a good amount of acidity and tannins were quite chewy at the beginning, decided to let it aerate for about 3 hours. The wine opened up, more liquorice, vanilla aroma now. Tannins were more mellow, balanced quite well with the acidity. A pleasant bottle of wine after decanting, I think this would need a good few years to reach its full potential.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow what a Chianti. Even if a so hot vintage Giovanni Manetti managed to make a really refreshing wine, without the heaviness of other Chianti Classico of the same vintage. The bottle is all about elegance and balance, lots of red and forest fruits at the nose and with mid-low acidity and medium tannins on the palate. The ending is really satisfying and persistent. You can drink it now or keep it for 10 years, unfortunately I am left with just one bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Given a 2 hour decant , this wine will start to reveal complex and developing aromas - a kaleidoscope of light as air violets, that dusty incense smell in an empty church, hints of leather, herbs - maybe fennel, cherries, chocolate coated raspberries, menthol. There is chewy acidity, and furry tannins , but the silky smooth mouthfeel carries you through to rich finish of cherries, ripe plums, chocolate , and a surprising quality of light , dry salinity. This is a wine of finesse and delicacy , already delicious with food , and will improve with a couple more years in the cellar. Exceptional value , and highly recommended!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
An inky red colour and legs in the glass hint at what is to come. A reticent nose with hints of herbs and the faintest whiff of dried but succulent fruit give little more away. The palate brings Tuscany though with a clear Chianti profile carried on a full body and fine and plentiful tannins. A hit of fruit is soon knocked aside for a long puckering finish that both indicates a long future but also raises alarms as to whether this has the balance to mature well.
A little too structured for my liking of a good Chianti Classico. No doubt a good wine but lacks a sense of its home.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A deeply pitched wine with dark cherry and roasted meat notes. It is structured and powerful, with plenty of grunt coupled with floral nuance. It drinks well today but needs time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
elegant chianti red fruit, cherry, spices, tobacco powerful, silky integrated tannins and long length already pleasant to drink and will for sure continue to improve
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The '15 Fontodi Chianti Classico continues to over-perform in every possible way. Here I found masses of crushed cherries and raspberry, offset by savory herbs and earth, dusty minerals and hints of cedar and new leather. On the palate, it washed across the senses like silk, medium-weight, yet with amazing presence, as tart red fruits and spice were balanced by zesty acids, making the mouth water as youthful tannins slowly saturated all that they touched. It finished structured, with a pinch of tart berries on the cheeks, yet not severe, in fact still quite enjoyable in its youthful state, as spice and mineral tones slowly faded.
Beautiful Chianti Classico from the Panzano area. Tried it after several hours in the glass. The nose is clean, medium (+) in intensity and quite expressive, with aromas of ripe red cherry, black plums, dried herbs and a pleasant but subtle oak spice note from 18 months in French oak barrels. The palate is dry, consistent with the nose, with medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol. This is a medium (+) to full-bodied wine with great balance and finesse, medium (+) flavor intensity and length. It is entering its optimal drinking window and is likely to continue to show well for several more years. It is not a particularly good value at $47, the retail price I was quoted in Houston. But I would be very happy if i bought it at $30 or lower, or even in the mid $30s.
1 time i karafell. Kraftig, klassisk aroma med ett lett modent preg og elementer av kirsch, modne kirsebær, lakris, tobakk og lær. I munn har den god fylde og tydelige, men samtidig integrerte tannniner som gir vinen god balanse. Veldig god lengde. Drukket av Riedel BDX. 91+
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bright, fresh nose that definitely reflects the wine's relative youth. Plush in the mouth with a striking line of acidity. Quite grippy on the finish, which is definitely on the short side. A baby, no doubt, but drinking okay now. That said, I'll be putting the rest of the case down for a few more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Weekly tasting group RWP #328; Some random wines (@ BS): Beautiful garrigue in the bouquet. Juicy red berries and cherries on the palate. Good acidity and firm tannin as well as some toast in the finish. Give the wine a few more years of cellaring.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Winery visit. This is an infant. Lots of power and sango density without being extracted, but my this is just a dense brick wall of tannin right now. Nice value, but I wouldn't drink for at least three years.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was towards the end of a very, very big wine night with friends. Wow! Significantly better than any other year of this wine that I have had. Will please the crowd for sure. Typical Chianti style, oaky, dark red fruits etc. Age would be really nice here. Will buy more.
90+
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
So the Isole e Olena is for now and you will want to stock a few bottles of the Fontodi in the cellar for down the road. This is more floral with dried herbs, roses, violets, strawberries along with a touch of liquorice, this is less on the fruit, the finish not full developed for now, but this will come with time. I cannot decide which one I prefer. I would say for now the Isole e Olena...but just...5 years and probably the opposite...either way the 2015s are fantastic.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Le meilleur Fontodi Chianti Classico que j’ai pu déguster dans les dernières années. Des notes de cerises, d’épices et quelques peu terreux. Tout cela dans une finale soutenue. Très bien fait!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The nose was intense and youthful, yet still quite refined, showing ripe raspberry, dusty Tuscan spice, woodland earth tones and hints of cedar. On the palate, it was precise, juicy yet refined, with gorgeous ripe fruit offset by minerals, a core of brisk acidity and fine grain tannin. The finish was long, structured and poised, still giving enough red berry fruit to enjoy today, yet holding the best back for years down the road. Very Nice!
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was lovely. Took a bottle to my brothers place for the weekend and opened yesterday. No time to give it any air, a glass each and went to bed (as it was not the first drink of the evening when two brothers stay up late to catch up!). Finished it off tonight and it was sublime. A good as many riserva’s I have had and with a fabulous finish. What a bin end bargain from the WS but give it some air!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Form memory: Classic notes of cherries, liquorish, dry soil and spices on the nose and palate. Among the bigger and riper CC’s, and in my view consistently one of the best. Still on the young side, but already very enjoyable accompanying some pasta with red sauce (91-92 points).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice Classico. Rich cherry, nice tennis for decent finish. Great with food. Settles after an hour; smooths out. Will age very well. Assuming 3-5 will be even better.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep dark reddish-purple in color. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of earthy/dusty & floral notes, dried herbs, minerals, some spice, mint & anise notes & a hint of cedar & vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, dense, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blackberries & plums with spices, minerals, earthy, cocoa & a hint of oak/vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well with decanting & extended airing but has the potential (& need) for additional aging to develop further. Should rate even higher with time (92+).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Double decanted. Striking nose of dark fruit, herb, some flower and leather. Zippy palate that has fruit, sine tannin. Young and tasty with food now, but should integrate and improve.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted for expertising vintage 2015 . PnP. Mouth vivid mineral and juicy. Young flavours of fresh cutted tree, cedar, blackberries juice, franc acidity. Tannins so delicate. already balanced. Very nice potential. Not for wine journalist payed for instant rating.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose shows sandalwood, cherry and herb on the nose, tightly wound, with strong tannins, good structure for aging, palate shows red plum, cherry, dried herbs, mineral and leather hints, dry and delicious with bolognese pasta, will be better in a few years but overall a gorgeous wine
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnP about 2 hours prior to dinner and slow ox in glass & btl. Semi translucent ruby red color. Berry aromas along with herbs, cedar and light vanilla. Pure, focused, lifted red fruit, mineral, licorice, cassis, herbs and underbrush flavors. Because of the acidity this comes off as nearly weightless elegance for all of its sheer density and power. This drinks perfectly with food but the food tamed structured shows up after dinner in the glass stand alone. There is plenty of structure to resolve before this is a pleasure on its own but this works very fine with food right now. The 14.5% alc sounds scary but I didn't notice any impact on the wine other than adding a little weight that is offset by the acid. This is an excellent example of youthful but approachable classic chianti that has a bit more going on then most at the classic level. There is more depth and elegance than typical of many chiantis. Right now 91pts with potential to be 93pts+ down the line. At $35 priced higher than most Chianti Classico but, not for the level of complexity and potential this has to further age well.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
finding a lot to like in this wine. nose - raspberry, fresh mouth - lovely fruit forward yet restrained with considerable structural tannins and excellent acidity. can last a while. impressive CC
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fruit day, 14.5% abv, Cork in pristine condition, PnP over 4 hours.
Nose of classic Fontodi, whiff of alcohol that dissipated with air.
Palate of red cherries, good intensity, decent depth, high acidity, massive tannins, spicy vanilla, long finish which seems to linger forever.
This bottle is drinking pretty well with eggplant Parmigiana and lamb shank. On its own, the tannins are a little too powerful, and oak is sticking out a little too much to my liking. 2015 reminds me of the stern 2013, which I think would benefit from a few years in the cellar. I much prefer the balance and earthiness of the 2014 at this stage, but think that the 2015 has the potential to transform into a greater wine than the 2014, given sufficient cellar time. I'm planning to keep my hands off for 3-5 years before trying my next bottle.
This is a serious wine, punching above its price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really extraordinary. Bright red cherry color and aromatics, with that Italian raisin and tobacco on the nose and palate. Tannic back bone, but more juicy fruit forward than tart and dry. Great acid on the back end that (of course) makes this incredibly food friendly. Price is the only negative (even at Costco), but you get what you pay for.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Way too early to open. At the moment, showing tight and reserved though began to display layers of berry, cassis, leather, wood, herbs and spice after an hour in a decanter. Would leave this in bottle for at least 2 years. Although closed, all is in balance and harmonious.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Transparent mørk rød farge. Intens kirsebær på aroma, følger opp med mer røde bær, litt tea og kaffe. I munn har den en fin friskhet og intensitet. Samme elementene som på nesen. Bra lengde.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Well, there is Chianti and then there is Fontodi! That's basically it! Lush, succulent, not dry at all like most Chianti... This baby is jammy and delicious... Very ripe Sangiovese dominates the wine... Long sweet finish... Not tart or dry at all... But of course many of you already knew that...
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Røde bær og litt kjøtt på nesa. Veldig saftig, rød frukt i munnen. Men fin friskhet og struktur bak all frukten. Fine, reine smaker og lukter uten den store kompleksiteten, men med lang ettersmak. God vin til prisen (228,-).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Vibrant and studiously concentrated, this has length and polished tannins. An age-worthy Chianti Classico, there’s enough layers and backbone for a long study. Black tea, walnut shell, cranberry, leather and cherry paste. Paradoxically modern and still retains some old school tendencies. Drink 2019 - 2029.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Double decanted. Reticent nose of dark fruit and a bit of leather. Full palate with dark cherry, some leather, herb. Clean and long on a drying finish. Great fruit, acid and tannin balance. I but this in quantity most every year because it normally bats above its weight, and this one is appears better than most at that.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
While this was somewhat closed and lean to me on the first night the open bottle is showing beautifully on day 2; pure ruby crimson showing good clarity; rose petals leap from the glass with sweet wood and cedar, light tobacco, sopressata, sweet sour red cherries, elegant yet muscular; a broad shouldered pure old school style of Chianti, all red fruit, cedar, bowl of dried rose petals, broad mouthfeel showing good depth and purity of fruit, late leather, tobacco and dusty earth, larger scaled, rounded burly tannin- some from the oak making the structure seem somewhat grainy but I wouldn’t expect Fontodi to suddenly become San Giusto a Rentannano; a very good vintage, recommend a long decant if not an entire day of air if opening now, this has great potential and balance to age gracefully, soulful rather than the most cerebral this is a great example of CC level, would put this up against many Brunelli for its wow factor and richness.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Light to medium purple. Nose of leather and dried flowers, which is a combination I don't remember experiencing before. On the palate, tannin and acidity to the fore, but quite a lot of dark cherryish fruit in the background. Needs food to show its best. 14%, cork.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The nose was dark and intense with black cherry, raspberry, leather strap and minerals up front, giving way to dusty dried florals and hints of dry earth. On the palate, I found intense dark red fruits with spicy thrust complemented in zesty acidity as inner florals emerged. It turned savory through the finish, with lasting herbal and saline-mineral tones as notes of dried cherries lingered long. The ‘15 is an exciting rendition of this wine, punching well above its price point.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
4/29/2024 - Skotto Likes this wine: 91 Points
3 bottles over past 6 months. Evolving nicely, it has a long life ahead. Straight from the bottle, fresh slightly tart cherry, acidity and very present tannin. With a 2-3hr decant, the wine really starts to show its stuff: characteristic black cherry that’s so addictive, leather, sweet tobacco. Acidity mellows and tannins are still present. Will try to hold my last bottles a few more years or pair them with rich red meat after a few hours in the decanter. This is a really great bottling from a great vintage and my current benchmark for Chianti Classico.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/21/2024 - Joshvoulters Likes this wine: 91 Points
Quite a lot of Chianti (Must & Lees, Warren Street): Pure and balanced, there's a subtlety and hints of maturity blending well with the primary notes. Dark cherry and rose, earth, mint, a touch of tar. Sharp acidity and a smooth palate entry backed up with fine grip.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/18/2024 - Theamaronefan Likes this wine: 88 Points
I love the 2015 Chianti vintage and I was expecting more from this producer. The classic Sangiovese flavors of tart cherry and earth tones were present, but muted. Perhaps it needs more time in the bottle. While I liked the wine, I've had better 2015 Chiantis from Tenuta Di Nozzole and Viticcio.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2024 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 91 Points
Vibrant with flavours of sour cherries. The initially firm tannins softened up giving structure, a velvety texture and a super mouthfeel, ending with an excellent Kirsch cherry finish. This wine had depth and dimension and in spite of the weight of alcohol I never detected the heat. Simply the fruit and acidity kept all the constituents in balance. A superlative expression of Chianti Classico. CHP 91 pts
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/16/2024 - EdwardsCellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really really like this wine. classic sangiovese notes. red cherry. earth. damp earth on this one. decanted for an hour but wanted to do more but the mushroom lasagna was ready to eat. Probably good for a few more years but nothing wrong right now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/23/2023 - winemaker Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same as previous bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2023 - winemaker wrote: 92 Points
In a great spot! Harmonious. Such a great producer!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/13/2023 - ManuKey Likes this wine: 90 Points
Très beau CC de la maison Fontodi. Fondu et à point. Sur des arômes de fruits noirs juteux, d’épices douces et quelques effluves minérales. Tout est en place, c’est soyeux et la finale est de bonne longueur.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/30/2023 - Kris G wrote: 88 Points
Already showing some signs of evolution. The wood is just a fraction too dominant. Still a nice Chianti but not their best vintage ever.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/30/2023 - Gcashman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tart cherry, some Forest floor. Fine grained tannins. Could have used a few more years.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2023 - MaineMark Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is only starting to come around. Really nice depth and fruit, but the tannin structure remains a little harsh. I am guessing this will be even better in 5+ years.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2023 - Dataday Likes this wine: 91 Points
Perfectly matured, ready to drink. As always the Fontodi is THE blue chip when it comes to Chianti Classico annata.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/21/2023 - CheviotCellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent. borderline 93, better than last bottle. Fully mature with leather and lipsmacking tannin. For Chianti, acid levels are relatively low and the black cherry fruit is there.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/13/2023 - Vinogan(s) wrote: 90 Points
A typical full body chianti from this warm vintage, signature style of the house
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/26/2023 - winemaker Likes this wine: 92 Points
I agree with TWard's note.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2023 - tward Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent. Drinking very well now. Yes, it shows the warmth of the vintage, but it does it really well. Halfway through this bottle I was thinking Brunello. OK, so that's not really what I typically want in a Chianti, but I wasn't complaining. Black cherry, eucalyptus, balsamic, plumy fruit, spice with a pleasing background sweet tannin support joined with a thread of rustic quality.
14% abv
I've got a couple more of these and the CT drinking window goes to 2028, but I don't see why you'd wait. (That said, this bottle, in my possession for 4 1/2 years was stored in good, but not perfect conditions, dark, with seasonal temperature variation from mid-50s to mid-60s. So ideally stored bottles may be less further along in development.)
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
3/17/2023 - Skotto Likes this wine:
From magnum. Chianti Classico that hits all the marks. Young and vibrant today, a bit of air and this is ready to go - everything falls into place. Should also do well with a few more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
3/2/2023 - Bellissimo Likes this wine:
Shared with friends over pizza. PnP got better with more air. Same bottle as RockNRoller.
Classic flavor profile, darker fruits, tomato, savory undertones. Nice acids up front with fulfilling tannins bringing up the rear. Should continue to age well for the next 5 years but I doubt I'll be able to keep my hands off my remaining two that long.
Over delivers!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/2/2023 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
Very dark red color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 2 hours. Another winner, showing well already, the '15 Fontodi CC has a classic old school style. Deep dark cherry and plum fruits, tobacco, spice and mineral notes, with a subtle floral underpin, this has a wealth of dark fruits that maybe even give a little sense of purple fruit. The tannins and moderate though very round and approachable. Very good. 91+ to 92pts.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/19/2023 - R Z Likes this wine: 93 Points
Prodigious fruit, black cherry, black raspberry, full, rich mouthfeel, perfectly correct finish. A terrific chianti classico, on its own or with food.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/29/2023 - fizz wrote:
PnP.
Cherry, earth, dark florals. Medium bodied. Firmish tannins which melt away with a meal. Drinks so well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2023 - winemaker Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is mature. Dark cherry fruit with damp earth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/8/2023 - malkit Likes this wine: 92 Points
I decided to check in with another bottle of this with a beef shin ragu at the weekend and wow I’m so glad I did as this is really starting to sing atm. Slightly reserved on the nose the Fruit and tanins are now well integrated and secondary savory notes are really starting to develop. Enjoyed it so much I instantly went online tracked down another case.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/3/2023 - eags25fla wrote: 93 Points
PnP - beautiful but would benefit from an hour+ decant. Nose of dark cherries, herbs. spice and possibly barrique(?) - there's a richness &earthiness to the aroma that is incredibly pleasing - I just can't put my finger on it. Flavors of dark cherries, herbs, tobacco and spice that is more lean and less opulent than expected for the warm vintage - and has a long perfectly balanced finish. LOVE THIS!!! 5+ years in the bottle couldn't hurt.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2022 - PAWS wrote:
took to Paige and Jim's Christmas party
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2022 - pgb67 wrote: 90 Points
Summer and Fall 2022 Wine Adventures (Corolla, NC & Three Rivers, MI & Dogwood Grove, VA): Surprisingly dense and brooding with licorice and tar character accented by black currant and blackberry. Enjoyed it, although this bottle was not for casual drinkers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2022 - winebunch wrote: 91 Points
Was somewhat apprehensive on opening this based on previous reviews… feels like it is in a very good place. Aged, oxidative profile with some furniture polish (VA) aromas with a meaty/gravy like(?) umami character. Black cherry and pepper fading away but still detectable. More of a cerebral, thoughtful wine to accompany good food (ours was a slow braised beef shin ragu) rather than to demolish with cold cuts. Not necessarily sure this will continue to improve but willing to give it the chance
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/28/2022 - Musiclistener Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice tension. Reminiscent of a top quality Burgundy Pinot Noir. I am very sensitive to high alcohol but this doesn't feel like it is 14.5% alc. Best upon opening.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/16/2022 - honest bob wrote: 87 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork. Opened but not decanted 1 hour. Stewed plum scent, the unusually hefty (for a CC) 14,5% alc. pokes out of the glass in a threatening kind of way. Smooth, mid-bodied entry, with more overripe, stewed plummy fruit but hardly any tannins (yet...). Pleasant enough, but the mid-palate dries up and is just hot (alcohol) and inexpressively tannic. Mouth-puckering, coarse tannins set in on the finish, enhanced by alcoholic burn, iron filings, raw leather and more stewed fruit.
So what's going on here? I got panned for posting a critical review of this wine back on 09.03.2021, so I recognise that some people love this style. Lionshield, thanks for your CT TN and personal roasting dated 13.03.2021! I put off opening my last bottle until I felt fully fit, sober and ready to enjoy. But no, this pretentious, muscled-up, sledgehammer has niente to do with the youthful cherry joys of good ol' plain Chianti Classico (its designation); none of the herbal depth, concentration and purity of fruit, not to mention the supple tannic grip I'd expect from CC Riserva; and nothing at all to do with elite super-Chianti with Brunello pretentions (100€ Castello di Ama, anyone?) Hope you enjoy yours more than I did mine... 87P
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (4)
8/6/2022 - bobkl wrote: 90 Points
Fully matured, on its peak or even slightly beyond it, unlikely to benefit from any further aging. Tannins structure is starting to fade, and the secondary notes dominate the nose. Still has a discernible, although distant, cherry note. Long, lingering aftertaste. Very impressive wine overall
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/23/2022 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with previous bottle. Really well made sangiovese with plenty of structure. Drinkable now with food but plenty of upside here.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
5/27/2022 - guy12 wrote:
P&P impenetrable wall of tannin, maybe an off bottle maybe needs a decant. Certainly not like others notes.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/12/2022 - marco_graz wrote: 91 Points
Already perfectly drinkable, it shows all the character of Panzano. Intense nose of red fruits, iron, leather, orange, very intense mouth with a quite strong tannins still and nice acidity. The long finish bring everything at a close nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2022 - Bellissimo Likes this wine:
90 minute decant. Served with a pizza dinner at home on a Friday night.
This has a lot going on. Classic tomato, cherry, savory mix with a little leather and soy on the finish. Tannins are firm but not annoying but this humble Classico should be able to last 5 or 7 more years easily.
Easy to like. Great QPR
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/25/2022 - parkline_wine Likes this wine: 94 Points
94 for QPR - supremely excellent 'base' chianti classico from Fontodi. 15 is a great Tuscan year and it shows in all the wines of Fontodi. This is super polished, rose, with seductive red fruits and smidge of tomato. Excellent.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/5/2022 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine: 92 Points
Day 1: Quite primary still after 3 1/2 years in the cellar with a firm tannin structure not in balance with the fruit, leather, and savory flavors. Still quite tasty though, poured half into a 375mb screw-top bottle upon opening and put it in the fridge.
Day 2: Much more of a complete package. Tannin has faded to a silky smooth texture of red and black cherry and light saddle leather plus earth. The savory notes have faded a bit. Very delicious.
Based on this bottle, I will hold my other 2 for about 5-8 years at least as this has the structure to go much longer. I just drank my last bottle of 2006 and i wished I waited longer with the other bottles as it turned into a much different wine of profound elegance and beauty after 15 years of age, like a fine Burgundy. I see this vintage doing something similar. Hold until at least 2026 and preferably 2030+.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2021 - gwilliams68 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Undoubtedly years ahead still for this wine but drinking well now. Its not a subtle thing. Big, savoury and slightly smokey and I just love the waves of those grainy tannins that roll across across the tongue for an age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/10/2021 - kuumies wrote:
Very closed and angry at first, took close to two hours in the decanter to get going. Smells smoky, ashy and very savory with abundant sour cherry, beef jerky and leather. As can be expected this is full and richly textured, packing quite a punch. You can sense the heat of the vintage but still it is most recognizable and has plenty acidity and ripe, grippy tannins. I have always enjoyed this wine after it has settled a few years post release and this vintage is no different. Very enjoyable with and without a steak and as reliable as any wine when it comes to keeping the missus happy. I love how it maintains its trademark savory character despite the very hot vintage.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/24/2021 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Well that is darn good. Both nose and palate. It is darn good. At $50 though?
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/17/2021 - Winedog1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pop and pour. Shockingly good, especially with food. A good comp for 10 year old left bank Bordeaux. Buy more. Good price.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2021 - VoteferPedro Likes this wine:
super burly tannins on opening smoothed some in glass after an hour but after recorking and 24 hours this turned classic and delightful
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/28/2021 - strawbo Likes this wine: 90 Points
87 for the nose, 92+ for the palate
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/27/2021 - winot Likes this wine: 90 Points
Medium ruby. Earthy, woodsy red berry nose, a bit of heat. Nice mid weight palate, nice crisp, light, true Sangiovese/Ch Cl profile, no trace of the hot summer except a bit on the nose - very nice. I won't wait too long to drink the other bottles we have.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/21/2021 - David J Cooper wrote: 91 Points
Medium red. This has developed some really nice funkiness to go along with the cherry fruit. Dry earthy cherry flavours and a nice textured finish.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2021 - Dancing with bottles Likes this wine: 89 Points
From 375 ml-bottle.
Well done, typical, but not as good as expected. Maybe its the wrong time, maybe it´s the small bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/23/2021 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
One of the best Tuscany value wines. Pairs great with food and for the price, it is hard to resist. Lots of terroir in the glass.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/22/2021 - beegnat wrote: 85 Points
Bright cherry up front followed by pencil shavings. M+ tannins, M+acidity, M body.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2021 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 91 Points
This table wine is only just a hint at what to expect from some of their finer wines
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/28/2021 - Haze78 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Reaching its early drinking window. A wonderful Chianti Classico, on the slightly modern side. Nose dominated by cherry, graphite and leather. On the palate with some air it was nicely balanced with good complexity. Dark fruit, chocolate still some tannins. Clearly above most CC. Can’t wait how this will continue to develop.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/26/2021 - Rex66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pretty straightforward, well balanced Chianti. Sour cherry, a touch of herb at the finish. Nothing too special, a nice effort. Drinking nicely now but will hold a couple of years due to a decent backbone.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/10/2021 - Radders12345 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely nose of leather, tomato , dried herbs. Really tasty savoury notes
Palate brings juicy sour cherry, tomato. Great acidity, fine silky tannins and a long finish.
Drinking really nicely already
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2021 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good. Rather rich for Chianti but with classic savory acidity. Serious tannins. Has a long life ahead and has not hit peak, though certainly it is drinkable now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2021 - Lionshield Likes this wine: 92 Points
This note goes to CellarTracker member "HONEST BOB"
"Who did not have the best experience of this wine, unfortunately"
(thanks for your honest note and an insight into your past)
The color is garnet red.
The scent is fresh, semi-ripe cherries, a little young black currant, a little touch of fresh semi-ripe plum, a little dark chocolate, a little leather and fresh tobacco, freshly peeled oak, orange peel, a little green herbs, perfumed by fresh red, a little blue flowers.
The taste is quite similar to the aroma in a pretty good way. Good fruit concentration, fresh fruit with a good depth. Taste and aroma are really well connected.
The acid is promoted and cleanses in a nice clean dry juicy / pleasant / easy way.
Tannin, of a little black / green tea, a little licorice, green stalks ...
Ekstra:
Oxygen for about 3-4 hours (gets much better over time)
Is probably still young, seems like there are more layers in the taste, over time. Glass: Zalto burgundy
"I'm buying a few extra bottles"
Sangiovese 100%. Barrel aged 18 months
Galloni 93 p
Decanter 93 p
James Suckling 95 p
Wine Spectator 93 p
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/12/2021 - Justin S Likes this wine: 91 Points
Easy drinking and generous right now, but not overly glossy or round at all. Universally liked at the dinner table of home made pizzas, this went super fast. Pretty wine and worth the $30.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/9/2021 - honest bob wrote: 88 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour. This low-key, dusty, veiled wine reminded me of summers working in provincial Tuscany in the 1990s: brown sauce on brownish pasta, already stale, unsalted bread baked that morning with a brownish tinge, followed by brown fatty meat with sinews and unchewable bits where you wouldn't expect. And lots of tourists at the next table in rapture at how authentic the almost tasteless food supposedly was. The wine was generally a bit better: jug wine generally fine, bottled wine... well, you guessed it already: brown with thick tannins and heavy oxidation.
Of course, this product isn't oxidised or overly tannic, and displays some good, if dusty, fruit under all that other brown dust (although I don't recognise the fruit descriptors in previous CT TNs: black cherry? Raspberry? No, not in my glass...) Inevitably, some think that anything with Fontodi on the label just has to be fabulous, but 15 months on from my previous bottle, I'd agree that this CC is "very Tuscan", and suggest that (unless you have a palate capable of discriminating 50 Shades of Brown and Dust) you don't need to experience it. Life is too short. Either spend about half as much money on a young, fresh, red-fruited Chianti (drunk 3 years after the vintage), or save up and buy a good Brunello (to be drunk 15–20 years after the vintage). 88P(?)
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (5)
2/19/2021 - isbjoern wrote: 90 Points
Already approachable now. Shows a lot of spicy oak flavors that pair very well with the juicy cherry flavors. Some tobacco and coffee flavors. Only medium acidity for a Chianti. Not the depth and length of the top wines from Fontodi, but this is quite gourmand in style. I can see it develop some interesting tertiary flavors over the next years. - 90 points
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/12/2021 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 94 Points
Despite my prior vows, I couldn’t resist. This one is singing right now. It features beautiful fruit, black cherry, Tuscan dust; all the classic Sangiovese notes are present. It is unbelievably delicious, and my only regret is that I didn’t buy more of it when it was released.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/3/2021 - David J Cooper wrote: 91 Points
Medium dark red. Medium intense dry spicy dark fruit nose. Dry earthy black cherry flavours and dry textured dark fruit finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2021 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with previous bottle. This outperforms for the price point. Fantastic traditional sangiovese and paired perfectly with braised pork shanks in a tomato based sauce.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2021 - Obi-Wan Cannubi Likes this wine: 89 Points
Tett rødrubin med lys kant.
Litt røde syrlige kirsebær, noe tørkede urter og lakris. Typisk sangiovese: aroma som støvete frosne kirsebær-følelse med sutting på kirsebærsteinen.
Følger nesen på smak. Knusktørr, frisk syre, kirsebærfrukt, støvete tanniner og lett bitter kirsebærstein/tørkede urter i utgangen. Middels pluss fylde. Frukten er litt tilbaketrukket og med et rustikt uttrykk. Bør nok ligge noen år.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/21/2021 - Rechrom wrote: 91 Points
Lovely. Correct, of its place. Great food wine. Not profound, in balance, great fruit, and hit the spot with a meaty pasta dish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/14/2021 - Arcturus wrote: 92 Points
92. Mineral and cherry nose. Hearty dried cherry and layered palate, laser like acidity, great structure and balance. Beautiful Chianti.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2020 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 92 Points
A 2015 Chianti Classico... very much on point with a decided zest to the fruit and resolving tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/21/2020 - guy12 Likes this wine: 90 Points
good balance lovely tannins & acidity, cherry & chocolate. Improved over the evening.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/19/2020 - tlhnyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Elegant, velvety, resolved tannins, and just a bit of rustic earthiness to remind you this is a classic Italian red.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/7/2020 - whits wrote: 91 Points
scents of sandalwood, dried cherry and leather, balanced with fine but sturdy tannin, medium bodied, clean flavors of cherry, wild blackberry, tobacco and mineral, structured, dry, excellent match with Tuscan ribollita, this could improve further with age but makes for a great dinner wine
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/30/2020 - BullDeacon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Blind tasting of four Tuscan Sangiovese wines. My favorite of the four. Tasted against 2014 CastelGiacondo Brunello di Montalcino, 2015 La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and 2018 Rocca di Castagnoli Fattoria di Scannano Chianti. Color a medium ruby, starting to show garnet notes. Cedar, cigar box, leather, smokey, dark red cherries, and raspberries.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/24/2020 - StefanV Likes this wine: 92 Points
24hr later. Left yesterday 2/3 of bottle but what a difference ! Oak less present and very nice. Dark fruit, nice balance and finish. Quite a change... really like it !
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/24/2020 - StefanV Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Too much oak ! Wood is at this stage dominant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/26/2020 - Wineslayer Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cherry and bitter Chocolate on the nose. Very blackcurrant in the mouth. Lots of baby fat to lose though. Tannins are bearable, better they're ripe already but it's still a bit austere.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/14/2020 - Zweder wrote: 91 Points
Gang of 5 in Covid19 times; Chianti Classico (@ RW): Herbs and spices, vanilla and toast in the bouquet. On the palate red berries, cherries, dark berries, firm acidity and slightly sticky tannin. Also a touch of sweetness. Complete wine with a future of at least 5 – 7+ years.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/23/2020 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really lovely wine. Hits all the right notes for sangiovese with some sour cherry, cedar cigar box, floral notes, a bit of baking spice. Medium+ acid and tannins. Long finish. Really well made and plenty of structure for aging and development.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/22/2020 - Lyubomir Lefterov wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for half an hour, but was nowhere near ready, so after two glasses, returned in the bottle and refrigerated overnight. On day 2 was splendid, with succulent red fruits (predominantly cherries), spices and with that weighty but vibrant palate. Following the winery style - more rounded and structured wines. For me is closer to Bordeaux than CC, next try -2025.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/20/2020 - sergio19 wrote: 87 Points
This is a good example of Chianti wine with a convenience quality/price.
The color is ruby with a very light nail. In the nose appear with violet scent and little red fruit, in the mouth is mineral ad balsamic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/14/2020 - ANWW89 Likes this wine: 92 Points
pure red fruit, smoke, vanilla, mocha. smooth and easy on the palate. long long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/8/2020 - Vandiner wrote: 89 Points
PnP, seemed a little subdued, understated - fine but probably should've decanted.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/17/2020 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
A bit foursquare though it makes up for it in its juiciness. 100% Sangiovese that's raised in a combination of large casks and barrique of various age for a total of 18 months. That said, the wood can still be sensed somewhat on the nose, at first, though it's better integrated on the med/med+ bodied palate. 14,0% abv.; drink now with 30-60 minutes of aeration. recommended, but I feel there are far better/more complete values in this vintage.
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
7/17/2020 - David J Cooper wrote: 91 Points
Dark clear red. Medium nose, earthy red cherry, spice and dried shiitake nose. Dry spicy cherry flavours and a textured tannic finish.
Decent but not as thrilling as the 2016.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/10/2020 - tward Likes this wine: 90 Points
No notes, but this was solid. Very nice Chianti. I found the ripeness pleasing, not too ripe. Rustic streak through it. At $30, not a stellar deal, but I'm not complaining - decent QPR. I've got a couple more bottles, I see no hurry.
[Note: My label shows 14% vol. I saw some other comments about label abv variance. I sourced my bottles in SoCal.]
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/4/2020 - Bugiman wrote: 95 Points
Ein sensationeller Wein, perfekte Balance im Abgang, alles am richtigen Ort. Macht Riesen Spass.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/23/2020 - Ancora Imparo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry and earthy aroma. Very nice!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/4/2020 - virginiavino Likes this wine: 90 Points
Needs more time in the cellar. Had some rough edges even after a long decant. Shows promise
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/2/2020 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Nice enough Chianti. A little high in alcohol made it a bit off typicity.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/2/2020 - David J Cooper wrote: 88 Points
Medium dark red. Intense, slightly roasted ripe black cherry fruit and hints of campfire and warm earth. Dry roasted red fruit and a very big textured finish.
Just a little too ripe and roasted for me. Definitely a well made wine in a very hot vintage.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/28/2020 - R.H. Likes this wine:
Full and polished. Would give this some time to shed baby fat
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/17/2020 - scorbett Likes this wine:
Nose: hot tuscan sun, red fruit dropped in the dirt.
Palate: dusty leather sour cherries. Little bit of espresso/mocha comes out after an hour or two of breathing.
Very nice chianti. Solid value, drinking great now, will age, you can't go wrong.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/15/2020 - Cote d'Or wrote:
Tasted over 2 hrs
-med dark red with slight purple tinge
-stony focused bright cherry faint tobacco
-med acidity, med weight moderately full palate with black cherry fruit and thick med+ tannins
-still a little too young to fully shine
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/9/2020 - bensony Likes this wine: 90 Points
The 2015 Chianti Classico is opaque deep ruby in color. I decanted this for 3 hours and drank it over the following hour. The nose showcases aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, black plum, red licorice, rose and violet, tobacco, truffle, scorched earth, mocha, white pepper, and sage. There is also some heat which throws off the balance and needs time to integrate. Once in the mouth, the wine displays notes of blackberry, jammy blueberry, rich black plum, black cherry, cigar box, graphite, dried chalky soil, ground green herbs, black pepper, and espresso. This is medium- to full-bodied with medium (+) acidity, grippy medium (+) tannins, and a long finish dominated by black and blue fruit. Needs at minimum another 5 years, as it’s kind of a kick in the teeth right now, but the quality is certainly there.
100% Sangiovese; 15% ABV
NOTE: Some bottles display 14% ABV, others 14.5% ABV, and yet others (including mine) 15% ABV. I am waiting on an explanation from Fontodi.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
4/7/2020 - RoyaltyCoins wrote: 93 Points
Medium garnet, transparent in the glass
Nose: Cherry, tobacco, medicine box. Faint projection.
Mouth: Pureed black cherry and black currant flavors are velvet: melded completely to each other, as they seamlessly lead a midpalate of light medicine herb, blonde tobacco, and chalk. Fine grained tannins reserve a bit of pleasant grip.
Overall: Beautifully textured, with plush, vibrant, fruit and a laidback finish. This shows just like a riserva, with developed black fruit and a well integrated oak program. A hot vintage shows the darker end of the spectrum here, but everything remains pure and balanced. Most Chianti Classicos are sighted for the dinner table, this one drinks more than well enough on its own. Drink now through 2031.
93.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/24/2020 - coremill wrote: 87 Points
Out of 375mL. Classic Chianti nose of tart red cherries and sage. Medium weight red fruit with rustic, drying tannins. Lacks elegance with the tannins dominant right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2020 - Mot and Rob Likes this wine: 90 Points
We opened this young because we’re quarantined and it was in the house. I know. But Mot wanted to try a young Chianti Classico to see if she could get notes down (we have two 750MLs we’re holding for a few more decades. Day one was very tight (even with a solid decent) both on the nose and in the mouth. By day two this has opened up. The nose has a slight undercurrent of red fruit but is mostly spice, rich leather, and pepper with smokiness. In the mouth it’s leather and tobacco with a dash of pepper. Obviously we opened this wayyyyyyyy too young, but it was fun to see how this looks today to try to imagine how it will be in the future. During this dystopia it’s nice to imagine the normalcies that will return, somewhere down the line.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2020 - mchern02 wrote: 92 Points
2 hour decant
Dark red cherries, flowers, mint, and crushed stone with relaxed body and structure, young dusty tannins with moderate finish.
Excellent QPR
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2020 - Achermann Likes this wine: 91 Points
100 % Sangiovese (organic) from Panzano - fermented in stainless steel - aged 18 months on French oak.
Nose: Fresh cherries and stone, freshly cut herbs, blackcurrant, cinnamon, orange rind, mint, leather.
Palate: Very elegant and full of finesse - far from other darker, more concentrated Chianti’s. Noticeably, but quite fine tannins. Some licorice as well.
Very nice QPR here! Can’t wait to taste Vigna del Sorbo and Flacianello.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/10/2020 - Jozefs wrote: 91 Points
Still young, but accessible. Excellent qpr.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/7/2020 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 92 Points
Bottle off the wine list over lunch at Enorme.
Appearance is clear, medium intensity, ruby colour. Legs.
Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of dusty Tuscan earth, finely crushed rocks and chalk minerality, sour red cherries, black cherries with more air. Bits of mint. Developing.
On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.5%), supple high tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of classic sour red cherries, black cherries, glossy blackberries, sweet spices, cinnamon, underlying crushed rocks and chalky minerality. Lovely earth soil inflections with air. Medium+ finish.
Very good quality. Young fruity and oh so juicy enjoyable Chianti Classico. Very bang for the buck. Will develop well over the next 4-5 years.
100% Sangiovese. 6 months in large oak casks and then 18 months in French oak barriques.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2020 - Niels Z Likes this wine: 84 Points
Lovely 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico. Nicely integrated though quite prominent tannic structure. Lots of dark fruit and plum, black currant. Quite an oak -y, cream -y texture. The alcohol in the aftertaste was very apparent to me and surely my taste buds didn't fool me. This Chianti weighs in at 15%. Which seems like a lot to me, though I'm no Chianti expert.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/11/2020 - Castello della Gatta Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excelent CC, one of my favourite. Dark cherry and dried plum with subtle oak sensations. Full bodied, dusty tannins.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2019 - honest bob wrote: 88 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork. Decanted 1 hour with little effect. This dark-coloured (for a Chianti), dark fruited, po-faced/serious (for a Chianti), with 14,5% alc distinctly heady (for a Chianti) wine presents with a very pleasant scent of pine forest on a warm evening. But the palate is monolithic and plain thick (for a Chianti) and there is a tight knot of (polite) tannin at the finish. I hope and imagine there may be potential for improvement in a few years when (if?) it opens up. The hot-year alcohol level worries me, however, as I fear it may 1) indicate this wine won't mature into a delightful Chianti and 2) be a harbinger of yet another region I love destined for a hot, arid future as "normal" years become a thing of nostalgic memory. Try again in 2021/22. 88P(?)
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
11/21/2019 - Saint B wrote:
On opening, nose of plums, dark fruits. There was quite a dominant woody aroma to it. Palate had a good amount of acidity and tannins were quite chewy at the beginning, decided to let it aerate for about 3 hours. The wine opened up, more liquorice, vanilla aroma now. Tannins were more mellow, balanced quite well with the acidity. A pleasant bottle of wine after decanting, I think this would need a good few years to reach its full potential.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/4/2019 - marco_graz Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wow what a Chianti. Even if a so hot vintage Giovanni Manetti managed to make a really refreshing wine, without the heaviness of other Chianti Classico of the same vintage. The bottle is all about elegance and balance, lots of red and forest fruits at the nose and with mid-low acidity and medium tannins on the palate. The ending is really satisfying and persistent. You can drink it now or keep it for 10 years, unfortunately I am left with just one bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/13/2019 - exonian Likes this wine: 92 Points
Given a 2 hour decant , this wine will start to reveal complex and developing aromas - a kaleidoscope of light as air violets, that dusty incense smell in an empty church, hints of leather, herbs - maybe fennel, cherries, chocolate coated raspberries, menthol. There is chewy acidity, and furry tannins , but the silky smooth mouthfeel carries you through to rich finish of cherries, ripe plums, chocolate , and a surprising quality of light , dry salinity. This is a wine of finesse and delicacy , already delicious with food , and will improve with a couple more years in the cellar. Exceptional value , and highly recommended!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/6/2019 - Wrighty wrote: 88 Points
An inky red colour and legs in the glass hint at what is to come. A reticent nose with hints of herbs and the faintest whiff of dried but succulent fruit give little more away. The palate brings Tuscany though with a clear Chianti profile carried on a full body and fine and plentiful tannins. A hit of fruit is soon knocked aside for a long puckering finish that both indicates a long future but also raises alarms as to whether this has the balance to mature well.
A little too structured for my liking of a good Chianti Classico. No doubt a good wine but lacks a sense of its home.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/30/2019 - Jeremy Holmes wrote:
A deeply pitched wine with dark cherry and roasted meat notes. It is structured and powerful, with plenty of grunt coupled with floral nuance. It drinks well today but needs time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/28/2019 - Patrick_from_champagne Likes this wine: 92 Points
elegant chianti
red fruit, cherry, spices, tobacco
powerful, silky integrated tannins and long length
already pleasant to drink and will for sure continue to improve
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/19/2019 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 93 Points
The '15 Fontodi Chianti Classico continues to over-perform in every possible way. Here I found masses of crushed cherries and raspberry, offset by savory herbs and earth, dusty minerals and hints of cedar and new leather. On the palate, it washed across the senses like silk, medium-weight, yet with amazing presence, as tart red fruits and spice were balanced by zesty acids, making the mouth water as youthful tannins slowly saturated all that they touched. It finished structured, with a pinch of tart berries on the cheeks, yet not severe, in fact still quite enjoyable in its youthful state, as spice and mineral tones slowly faded.
7 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
8/9/2019 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 91 Points
Beautiful Chianti Classico from the Panzano area. Tried it after several hours in the glass. The nose is clean, medium (+) in intensity and quite expressive, with aromas of ripe red cherry, black plums, dried herbs and a pleasant but subtle oak spice note from 18 months in French oak barrels. The palate is dry, consistent with the nose, with medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol. This is a medium (+) to full-bodied wine with great balance and finesse, medium (+) flavor intensity and length. It is entering its optimal drinking window and is likely to continue to show well for several more years. It is not a particularly good value at $47, the retail price I was quoted in Houston. But I would be very happy if i bought it at $30 or lower, or even in the mid $30s.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
7/15/2019 - BernieMSY wrote: 92 Points
Delicious. Great bones that indicate lots of upside. Plenty of tannins. I would touch another for five years.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/20/2019 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A great food wine, especially with authentic Tuscan meals. Enjoyed this at my favorite Italian restaurant in San Francisco, 54 Mint.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/3/2019 - Bernt Olav wrote: 91 Points
1 time i karafell. Kraftig, klassisk aroma med ett lett modent preg og elementer av kirsch, modne kirsebær, lakris, tobakk og lær. I munn har den god fylde og tydelige, men samtidig integrerte tannniner som gir vinen god balanse. Veldig god lengde. Drukket av Riedel BDX. 91+
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2019 - David J Cooper wrote: 92 Points
Clear medium light red. Fresh, floral cherry nose, with a bit of dark cherry. Dry cherry flavours and a dry medium finish.
Very nice floral and fresh CC.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/21/2019 - jonanator wrote: 91 Points
So good, hard to resist going through all of these even though there is upside from laying them down.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/15/2019 - Nostromo99 wrote: 89 Points
Bright, fresh nose that definitely reflects the wine's relative youth. Plush in the mouth with a striking line of acidity. Quite grippy on the finish, which is definitely on the short side. A baby, no doubt, but drinking okay now. That said, I'll be putting the rest of the case down for a few more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/29/2019 - Zweder wrote: 90 Points
Weekly tasting group RWP #328; Some random wines (@ BS): Beautiful garrigue in the bouquet. Juicy red berries and cherries on the palate. Good acidity and firm tannin as well as some toast in the finish. Give the wine a few more years of cellaring.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/19/2019 - Lyubomir Lefterov wrote: 92 Points
Chianti Classico tour 2019 - 2 -Conca D'Oro in Panzano + B a C: Used barrels only with this solid CC. Intense and powerful yet balanced, almost full bodied, will wait like 3/4y before approach a bottle of this one.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/9/2019 - gbanks wrote:
Winery visit. This is an infant. Lots of power and sango density without being extracted, but my this is just a dense brick wall of tannin right now. Nice value, but I wouldn't drink for at least three years.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/6/2019 - bordeaux456 Likes this wine: 90 Points
This was towards the end of a very, very big wine night with friends. Wow! Significantly better than any other year of this wine that I have had. Will please the crowd for sure. Typical Chianti style, oaky, dark red fruits etc. Age would be really nice here. Will buy more.
90+
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/21/2019 - Alexander Smith Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pretty consistent with the first note. Buying more
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/15/2019 - Alexander Smith Likes this wine: 92 Points
So the Isole e Olena is for now and you will want to stock a few bottles of the Fontodi in the cellar for down the road. This is more floral with dried herbs, roses, violets, strawberries along with a touch of liquorice, this is less on the fruit, the finish not full developed for now, but this will come with time. I cannot decide which one I prefer. I would say for now the Isole e Olena...but just...5 years and probably the opposite...either way the 2015s are fantastic.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2019 - ti_ric Likes this wine: 92 Points
Le meilleur Fontodi Chianti Classico que j’ai pu déguster dans les dernières années. Des notes de cerises, d’épices et quelques peu terreux. Tout cela dans une finale soutenue. Très bien fait!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2019 - Zweder wrote: 90 Points
Weekly tasting group RWP #323; Six flights fully blind; we knew nothing, but had to choose: same varietal or same country. (@ MW): In the bouquet some autumn forest, red berries and herbs. Pleasant oak impressions. On the palate cherries, firm and fresh acidity, firm tannin with a good bite. Juicy wine with a firm bite and potential for 6+ years; so until at least 2025. When it shows more finesse and refinement the score might gain a point or two.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/6/2019 - Eric Guido wrote: 93 Points
The nose was intense and youthful, yet still quite refined, showing ripe raspberry, dusty Tuscan spice, woodland earth tones and hints of cedar. On the palate, it was precise, juicy yet refined, with gorgeous ripe fruit offset by minerals, a core of brisk acidity and fine grain tannin. The finish was long, structured and poised, still giving enough red berry fruit to enjoy today, yet holding the best back for years down the road. Very Nice!
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/16/2019 - Brentw1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This was lovely. Took a bottle to my brothers place for the weekend and opened yesterday. No time to give it any air, a glass each and went to bed (as it was not the first drink of the evening when two brothers stay up late to catch up!). Finished it off tonight and it was sublime. A good as many riserva’s I have had and with a fabulous finish. What a bin end bargain from the WS but give it some air!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/14/2019 - Pebben wrote: 91 Points
Form memory: Classic notes of cherries, liquorish, dry soil and spices on the nose and palate. Among the bigger and riper CC’s, and in my view consistently one of the best. Still on the young side, but already very enjoyable accompanying some pasta with red sauce (91-92 points).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/5/2019 - "Rhône Rider" Likes this wine: 90 Points
2015 Fontodi Chianti Classico
Blomster og stein. Lukket nese.
Kirsebær, kanel. Lekker struktur. Veldig finkornet. Lang og frisk. 14 er godt skjult. 90
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/25/2019 - BigGDaddy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice Classico. Rich cherry, nice tennis for decent finish. Great with food. Settles after an hour; smooths out. Will age very well. Assuming 3-5 will be even better.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/23/2019 - tantotinto wrote: 92 Points
Rich, dense and delicious. Cherry and herbs. Superb tonight with Papperdelle Campagnolo. Score is with food.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2019 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep dark reddish-purple in color. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of earthy/dusty & floral notes, dried herbs, minerals, some spice, mint & anise notes & a hint of cedar & vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, dense, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blackberries & plums with spices, minerals, earthy, cocoa & a hint of oak/vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well with decanting & extended airing but has the potential (& need) for additional aging to develop further. Should rate even higher with time (92+).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/10/2019 - Rechrom wrote: 91 Points
Double decanted. Striking nose of dark fruit, herb, some flower and leather. Zippy palate that has fruit, sine tannin. Young and tasty with food now, but should integrate and improve.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/4/2019 - dead puddle wrote:
Tasted for expertising vintage 2015 . PnP. Mouth vivid mineral and juicy. Young flavours of fresh cutted tree, cedar, blackberries juice, franc acidity. Tannins so delicate. already balanced. Very nice potential. Not for wine journalist payed for instant rating.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2018 - whits wrote: 91 Points
Nose shows sandalwood, cherry and herb on the nose, tightly wound, with strong tannins, good structure for aging, palate shows red plum, cherry, dried herbs, mineral and leather hints, dry and delicious with bolognese pasta, will be better in a few years but overall a gorgeous wine
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2018 - chablis28 wrote: 91 Points
PnP about 2 hours prior to dinner and slow ox in glass & btl. Semi translucent ruby red color. Berry aromas along with herbs, cedar and light vanilla. Pure, focused, lifted red fruit, mineral, licorice, cassis, herbs and underbrush flavors. Because of the acidity this comes off as nearly weightless elegance for all of its sheer density and power. This drinks perfectly with food but the food tamed structured shows up after dinner in the glass stand alone. There is plenty of structure to resolve before this is a pleasure on its own but this works very fine with food right now. The 14.5% alc sounds scary but I didn't notice any impact on the wine other than adding a little weight that is offset by the acid. This is an excellent example of youthful but approachable classic chianti that has a bit more going on then most at the classic level. There is more depth and elegance than typical of many chiantis. Right now 91pts with potential to be 93pts+ down the line. At $35 priced higher than most Chianti Classico but, not for the level of complexity and potential this has to further age well.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2018 - soyhead Likes this wine:
finding a lot to like in this wine.
nose - raspberry, fresh
mouth - lovely fruit forward yet restrained with considerable structural tannins and excellent acidity. can last a while. impressive CC
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/11/2018 - MaxGud Likes this wine: 91 Points
Beautiful classic notes of cherry and almonds. A tad tannic - so holds great for many years to come!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2018 - FredericoWines wrote: 91 Points
Very tannic. Hold for 2-3 years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2018 - Coffee and Pie Likes this wine:
Fruit day, 14.5% abv, Cork in pristine condition, PnP over 4 hours.
Nose of classic Fontodi, whiff of alcohol that dissipated with air.
Palate of red cherries, good intensity, decent depth, high acidity, massive tannins, spicy vanilla, long finish which seems to linger forever.
This bottle is drinking pretty well with eggplant Parmigiana and lamb shank. On its own, the tannins are a little too powerful, and oak is sticking out a little too much to my liking. 2015 reminds me of the stern 2013, which I think would benefit from a few years in the cellar. I much prefer the balance and earthiness of the 2014 at this stage, but think that the 2015 has the potential to transform into a greater wine than the 2014, given sufficient cellar time. I'm planning to keep my hands off for 3-5 years before trying my next bottle.
This is a serious wine, punching above its price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/1/2018 - vino_per_tutti Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really extraordinary. Bright red cherry color and aromatics, with that Italian raisin and tobacco on the nose and palate. Tannic back bone, but more juicy fruit forward than tart and dry. Great acid on the back end that (of course) makes this incredibly food friendly. Price is the only negative (even at Costco), but you get what you pay for.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/16/2018 - AAJR Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really good. Lush and long with ample dark fruit flavors and body.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2018 - eags25fla wrote: 91 Points
Way too early to open. At the moment, showing tight and reserved though began to display layers of berry, cassis, leather, wood, herbs and spice after an hour in a decanter. Would leave this in bottle for at least 2 years. Although closed, all is in balance and harmonious.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/4/2018 - Bernt Olav wrote: 90 Points
Transparent mørk rød farge. Intens kirsebær på aroma, følger opp med mer røde bær, litt tea og kaffe. I munn har den en fin friskhet og intensitet. Samme elementene som på nesen. Bra lengde.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/23/2018 - Marquis du Vin Likes this wine: 95 Points
Well, there is Chianti and then there is Fontodi! That's basically it! Lush, succulent, not dry at all like most Chianti... This baby is jammy and delicious... Very ripe Sangiovese dominates the wine... Long sweet finish... Not tart or dry at all... But of course many of you already knew that...
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/17/2018 - daghaug wrote:
Røde bær og litt kjøtt på nesa. Veldig saftig, rød frukt i munnen. Men fin friskhet og struktur bak all frukten. Fine, reine smaker og lukter uten den store kompleksiteten, men med lang ettersmak. God vin til prisen (228,-).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/30/2018 - drum-wine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice Chianti. Cherries and red berries
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/18/2018 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 94 Points
Vibrant and studiously concentrated, this has length and polished tannins. An age-worthy Chianti Classico, there’s enough layers and backbone for a long study. Black tea, walnut shell, cranberry, leather and cherry paste. Paradoxically modern and still retains some old school tendencies. Drink 2019 - 2029.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/4/2018 - Rechrom wrote: 92 Points
Double decanted. Reticent nose of dark fruit and a bit of leather. Full palate with dark cherry, some leather, herb. Clean and long on a drying finish. Great fruit, acid and tannin balance. I but this in quantity most every year because it normally bats above its weight, and this one is appears better than most at that.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/2/2018 - Rezy13 Likes this wine:
While this was somewhat closed and lean to me on the first night the open bottle is showing beautifully on day 2; pure ruby crimson showing good clarity; rose petals leap from the glass with sweet wood and cedar, light tobacco, sopressata, sweet sour red cherries, elegant yet muscular; a broad shouldered pure old school style of Chianti, all red fruit, cedar, bowl of dried rose petals, broad mouthfeel showing good depth and purity of fruit, late leather, tobacco and dusty earth, larger scaled, rounded burly tannin- some from the oak making the structure seem somewhat grainy but I wouldn’t expect Fontodi to suddenly become San Giusto a Rentannano; a very good vintage, recommend a long decant if not an entire day of air if opening now, this has great potential and balance to age gracefully, soulful rather than the most cerebral this is a great example of CC level, would put this up against many Brunelli for its wow factor and richness.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/18/2018 - Duncan wrote: 90 Points
Light to medium purple. Nose of leather and dried flowers, which is a combination I don't remember experiencing before. On the palate, tannin and acidity to the fore, but quite a lot of dark cherryish fruit in the background. Needs food to show its best. 14%, cork.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/21/2018 - laralh wrote: 91 Points
Kirsebær, lakris, moreller, lær, litt kaffe, salvie og eucalyptus. Fyldig og lang. God vin!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/20/2018 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 93 Points
The nose was dark and intense with black cherry, raspberry, leather strap and minerals up front, giving way to dusty dried florals and hints of dry earth. On the palate, I found intense dark red fruits with spicy thrust complemented in zesty acidity as inner florals emerged. It turned savory through the finish, with lasting herbal and saline-mineral tones as notes of dried cherries lingered long. The ‘15 is an exciting rendition of this wine, punching well above its price point.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2018 - laralh wrote: 90 Points
Kirsebær, moreller, litt lakris og pepper. Bra lengde og konsentrasjon.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment