2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo
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Tasting notes
The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and pure textural richness. Broad and ample, the 2007 captures the essence of this warm, precious vintage. The aromas and flavors are perhaps just a touch less defined and nuanced than in the best years, but in exchange, the 2007 offers tons of accessibility and of near-term appeal. The 2007 can be enjoyed now or cellared. It is a terrific wine that falls just a bit short of being viscerally thrilling.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Frazzione of Panzano. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Oenologist Franco Bernabei. Medium deep ruby with orange reflexes. Restraint on the nose as well as palate. Very good balance. Opens up on the finish. Long and fragrant. Does it really need the Cabernet Sauvignon? For laying down. (WS)
The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a wine that expresses a contemporary vision of what Chianti Classico can be but without ever fully abandoning its roots. The single-vineyard Vigna del Sorbo adds 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (planted on Sangiovese rootstocks) to the Sangiovese. Texturally it is classic Sangiovese with the fine, sweet tannins that are the hallmark of the vintage, while the Cabernet adds a sepia-hued dimension to the fruit and an element of greater richness in the body, but without dominating the aromatic or flavor profile. The radiant warmth of Panzano doesn't hurt either, as the fruit is gloriously ripe and soft in this vintage. Everything is beautifully in balance, including the oak, which is barely perceptible. Today the Vigna del Sorbo is very young. It should start to be expressive around age ten and continue to drink beautifully for another decade-plus. Vigna del Sorbo remains a benchmark for the heights the international style of Chianti Classico can reach. This is another fabulous effort from proprietor Giovanni Manetti.
The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a wine that expresses a contemporary vision of what Chianti Classico can be but without ever fully abandoning its roots. The single-vineyard Vigna del Sorbo adds 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (planted on Sangiovese rootstocks) to the Sangiovese. Texturally it is classic Sangiovese with the fine, sweet tannins that are the hallmark of the vintage, while the Cabernet adds a sepia-hued dimension to the fruit and an element of greater richness in the body, but without dominating the aromatic or flavor profile. The radiant warmth of Panzano doesn’t hurt either, as the fruit is gloriously ripe and soft in this vintage. Everything is beautifully in balance, including the oak, which is barely perceptible. Today the Vigna del Sorbo is very young. It should start to be expressive around age ten and continue to drink beautifully for another decade-plus. Vigna del Sorbo remains a benchmark for the heights the international style of Chianti Classico can reach. This is another fabulous effort from proprietor Giovanni Manetti. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. This is another set of beautiful wines from Fontodi and proprietor Giovanni Manetti. Fontodi’s 2007s have slightly lower acidities than the firmer 2006s, which makes them a touch more approachable and forward at this stage. That said, relative to most 2007 Tuscan reds, these are powerful, rich wines (Flaccianello in particular) that will benefit from some additional time in bottle. A maniacal attention to detail in both the vineyards and cellar sets Fontodi apart as one of Italy’s most inspired producers. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907
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.