2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo
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Tasting notes
I am not sure how Giovanni Manetti has done it, but the 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo remains fresh, vibrant and striking for so many reasons, including its mid-weight, gracious personality. If tasting this blind, I could never guess the vintage. Because of its mid-weight structure, the 2003 is approachable now, but it also has more than enough freshness and pure vibrancy to drink well for another decade-plus. Frankly, this is an eye-opening wine. I am simply blown away by a level of vibrancy, freshness and nuance I don't recall seeing in too many 2003s from Tuscany.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
40.6 ha, 400 m, 90% Sangiovese 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13,000 bottles, 24 mths in French oak. Old vines gave resistance to the drought. Very dark crimson. A sweet start, very flattering, then very dry tannins. One of the most youthful wines in this range. Fine but the tannins dominate for the moment. (JR)
Fontodi's 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a single-vineyard blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12 months in Allier oak. The 2003 is an especially full-bodied, opulent version of this wine, showing masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet toasted oak along with an ample personality. Still extremely primary, it will require some bottle age to settle down and develop the range of expression for which it is known.
Fontodi’s 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a single-vineyard blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12 months in Allier oak. The 2003 is an especially full-bodied, opulent version of this wine, showing masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet toasted oak along with an ample personality. Still extremely primary, it will require some bottle age to settle down and develop the range of expression for which it is known. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907
About the producer
Based just outside Panzano-in-Chianti, Chianti Classico estate Fontodi was acquired by the Manettis in 1968, a family which has established its modern reputation. Today the leading property is best known for its Flaccianello delle Pieve, the pure Sangiovese Super Tuscan first made in 1981.