2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo possesses off-the-charts richness and textural intensity. Beams of tannin give the wine its shape, but they are nearly buried by the sheer depth of the fruit. Readers should expect a dark, virile Vigna del Sorbo that is likely to develop at a glacial pace. The 2013 was reticent last year and is even more so this year. (AG) 97+
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A wine like this gives you a visceral rush of excitement. The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo speaks to your most profound instincts and awakens a sudden and tangible taste of Tuscany. If you've ever visited Panzano in Chianti, you will be immediately transported there thanks to this fabulous wine. Vigna del Sorbo (100% Sangiovese aged in new and neutral barrique for two years) is authentic and focused with tart berry flavors surrounded by spice, truffle and rose petal. It offers a deep and lasting sense of richness. It is impossible to exaggerate my enthusiasm for this set of new releases from Giovanni Manetti's venerable Fontodi. (ML)
The 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is stunningly beautiful. At the same time, I have to report that the window for tasting the 2012 as a young wine appears to be closing. The density of the fruit and creaminess of the tannins are still evident if somewhat less obvious than they were a year ago, while the aromatics aren't quite as explosive as they have been in the past. The wine's depth and intensity suggest the 2012 will be fabulous once it emerges from its current period of dormancy. In this tasting, the 2012 shows a more red fruit and lifted profile than the 2013, where the flavors are darker.
A succulent Chianti Classico showing dried-fruit and cedar character. Full, chewy and very long with a juicy finish. So structured. Pure sangiovese from Fontodi's best vineyard and aged 24 months in wood. Serious. Better in 2020. One of the best wines ever from Vigna del Sorbo.
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.