Back in Stock: Sold Out Back-Vintage Chianti Classico Returns 

2015 Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Elsewhere $70) ($34.99)

96 points James Suckling: "Dried violets and lavender, cedar, cloves, vanilla and tobacco. Full body with ripe and chewy tannins, but this remains focused and dialed-in thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Not to mention beautiful blue fruit that comes to the surface, particularly on the long finish." (09/2018)

94 points Wine Advocate: "The Mazzei family was among the first to embrace the Gran Selezione category of high-end Chianti Classico. Their 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli shows the sharpness and detail that wine is supposed to evoke in the best vintages. It opens to a dark garnet color and mid-weight texture. There is ample muscle and power here, but the overall emphasis is on grace and elegance. You really taste those authentic Sangiovese flavors of wild cherry, forest berry, blue flower and crushed rock. (ML)" (10/2018)

93 points Vinous: "The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is one of the most polished wines in the range. Super-ripe red berry fruit, mint, pomegranate and floral overtones are all laced together in a lifted, gracious Chianti Classico that is already incredibly harmonious. Creamy and expansive on the palate, with striking textural resonance, the 2015 is a winner. (AG)" (07/2018)

Orazio Campoli | K&L Italian Wine Buyer | Review Date: February 03, 2025

Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 is the pinnacle of excellence in Sangiovese, created by one of Chianti's most historical and influential families, the Mazzei family, whose vineyard legacy in Tuscany dates back to 1435. The Gran Selezione comes from the oldest and highest vineyards of the property. This Gran Selezione actually comes from a single vineyard in Castellina, known to be composed mainly of limestone, which is fairly rare in Chianti. The limestone helps make a deep and well-structured Chianti that all the Brunello drinkers will enjoy for sure. The 2015 vintage, widely considered one of the best in recent memory, brings intensity, heat, and impeccable balance, resulting in a structured but deeply expressive Chianti.

On the nose, this wine is bold and complex, offering layers of ripe black cherries, wild berries, and dried violets, with a touch of graphite and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with thin tannins and vibrant acidity. Classic notes of leather, tobacco, and crushed stone emerge in the finish, which is long, refined, and beautifully textured. With 18 months in French oak barrels, this Gran Selezione is a joy with a steak or on its own. This is the classic Chianti for people who love Brunello or Sangiovese in general. The price is phenomenal considering the caliber of this producer.