Must-See Pricing on a Double 95-Point Chianti Classico

2016 Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Elsewhere $60) ($34.99)

95 points James Suckling: "Dense and powerful 2016 Chianti Classico with a deep and rich palate of fruit that is tight and compact. Lots of polished tannins to frame the wine. Full-bodied. The spice, bark, and dried-mushroom character highlights the ripe and luscious fruit. Drink or hold." (04/2019)

95 points Wine Advocate: "The Mazzei family was one of the first and most enthusiastic advocates of the Gran Selezione movement. Their 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a crowning achievement for this storied Chianti Classico winery. From an iconic vintage, this blend of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Malvasia Nera, aged in new and neutral oak for 20 months, shows sharp and delineated lines. Black fruit, plum and cherry intermingle with spice, tobacco and tilled earth. The wine shows zest and energy at its core. (ML)" (09/2019)

94 points Wine Spectator: "The rich texture shows off the cherry, berry and earth flavors, with a backbone of lively acidity and dense, ripe tannins creating tension between this red's elegance and power. Elements of iron, tobacco and Mediterranean herbs complete the flavor profile. Shows fine balance and length. (BS)" (09/2020)

93 points Vinous: "The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is one of the most expressive wines I have tasted from the estate. Beautifully perfumed, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much to offer. Lavender, spice, menthol, ripe red/purplish fruit and rose petal grace this translucent, beautifully detailed Chianti Classico. The 2016 is a jewel of a wine. (AG)" (07/2019)

93 points Wine & Spirits: "The Mazzei family selects grapes for this wine (sangiovese with eight percent malvasia nera and colorino) from the 50 best parcels at the Fonterutoli estate, and ages the wine for 20 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux (60 percent new). The wine shows flavors of ripe black cherry leavened by notes of toasted nuts, tobacco and porcini mushrooms, the darkness of the flavors creating a warm, cozy impression that suggests a pairing with a hearty beef stew." (04/2020)