2020 - Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione, Fontodi

Showing enormous precision and direction, the 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo (with 25,000 bottles released) is a generous expression of Sangiovese that boasts singular intensity. This organic wine offers black fruit, grilled rosemary, pressed rose and crushed limestone. All of these aromas enjoy special, forward-moving intensity that dovetails into the ample fruit generosity that this sun-filled vintage will be remembered for.

The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is one of the most backward editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Dark and almost somber, the Vigna del Sorbo packs a ton of intensity in its deceptively mid-weight frame. In many vintages, Vigna del Sorbo is quite showy in its youth. That is not at all the case with the 2020, a wine that will require many years to be at its best. Hints of lavender, dried herbs, plum and graphite appear over time, but the 2020 is very clearly an infant. There is a feeling of youthful austerity (in a positive sense) that I find quite alluring. The 2020 Sorbo is a wine for those who can wait.

Panzano. 100% Sangiovese. Certified organic.Lustrous mid ruby. Minerally rather than fruit-driven at this moment. Generous, suave fruit on the palate finely balanced by a tangy, acidic nerve running through the fruit and firm tannins that demand more time. (WS)