2021 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo

Fontodi sits in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the famed Conca d’Oro (“golden shell”) amphitheatre just south of Panzano. This valley has long been celebrated for its vineyards, thanks to a mix of high elevation, calcareous clay-schist soils, abundant sunlight, and a climate that balances warm days with cooler nights. Under the stewardship of the Manetti family, Fontodi has become one of the benchmark estates of the region, producing wines that marry precision and depth with a strong sense of place.

The Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione comes from old-vine Sangiovese in one of Panzano’s most renowned vineyards. Aged in a mix of French oak barrels and large casks, it shows the darker, more structured side of the Conca d’Oro while retaining Fontodi’s trademark elegance.

Other Reviews....
Now boasting the proud Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo is a little more delicate, even subdued, compared to its new brother, the more exuberant Terrazze San Leonlino. Vigna del Sorbo is a little more tuned in on itself, aromatically speaking, but reveals just enough complexity and sheer beauty to believe in the promise of its future aging potential. Even now, tasted so young, the wine's pedigree is evident. It excels in terms of complexity and depth. The tannins are velvety soft, and soft mineral aromas add focus. This certified expression of Sangiovese comes from a single parcel within the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro basin of vines that distinguishes Panzano. The Vigna del Sorbo stands out as one of my favorite wines from this region made in 2021. Drink 2025-2050.
98+ points
Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is an absolute stunner. Deep, layered and explosive, the 2021 captures all of the magic of this year in spades. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, spice and licorice all soar out of the glass. A wine of statuesque beauty elegance, the 2021 is utterly mesmerizing. I would be in no rush to drink this. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) and then 7-8 months in cask. Drink 2028-2046.
97 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Wow. There’s a richness and decadence to this, with cherry, orange peel, stone and terra cotta notes as well as crushed stone and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a very long, lingering finish. Extremely structured. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2026.
97 points
James Suckling

The Sorbo vineyard sits just below the winery on schistous Galestro soil between 400 and 450 metres and boasts 50- to 60-year-old vines. Owner Giovanni Manetti says it is the same team that has harvested this plot for years. The 2021 spent 15 months in barriques followed by nine in large casks, and unfurls leisurely from a smoky incense overlay through dusty, sunbaked earth to black cherry. Virile and sturdy, the palate packs in dense fruit, glimpses of clove and cedar, and pops with blackcurrant purity. A clayey, terracotta-like texture accompanies generous chewy tannins. Plenty here for a long rest in the cellar. Drink 2027-2042.
97 points
Michaela Morris - Decanter

Saturated with black cherry, blackberry, violet and graphite flavors, this fluid, elegant red is defined by vibrant acidity, with a light matrix of fine-grained tannins. Balanced and fresh on the fruit-filled aftertaste. Decant now, or give this a year or two in the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2045.
97 points
Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator