2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is magnificent, as it has always been. Rich, explosive and structured on the palate, the 2010 possesses stunning depth and nuance, along with the energy to age beautifully for the next 20+ years. The 2010 has begun to shut down in bottle, but from time to time, the magic comes through. In my opinion, the 2010 is the greatest Vigna del Sorbo ever made. Readers should be aware that the 2010 was sold in two tranches; the first bottles were labeled Chianti Classico Riserva, while the second set of bottles were sold under the new Chianti Gran Selezione designation. The wine is the same.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is fabulous, as it has always been. The most finessed, silky of tannins support a fabric of nearly indescribable elegance. Sweet red berries, rose petals, spices, new leather and graphite all take shape in the glass. Absolutely impeccable and graceful on the palate, the 2010 is a stunner. Stylistically, the 2010 comes across as a slightly richer version of the 2004. While superlatives are often overused in wine criticism, after tasting every vintage of Vigna del Sorbo, it is quite clear. The 2010 is the greatest Vigna del Sorbo ever made. Readers should note that in some markets (the US in particular), the 2010 was sold as Chianti Classico Riserva, but in Italy and other European markets, the 2010 will be sold as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The wines are identical. Readers will not want to miss the 2010. It is an epic, iconic wine from Fontodi and proprietor Giovanni Manetti.
A great wine in the making, the 2010 Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo is simply stunning. So pure, so elegant, so refined. The 2010 has it all. Freshly cut flowers meld into plums, smoke, lavender, tobacco and graphite in a wine that captivates all the senses. Flaccianello gets most of the attention at Fontodi, but the more I taste the Vigna del Sorbo the more I am intrigued by its potential for development in bottle. The reduction of Cabernet Sauvignon to 5% of the blend (beginning in 2009) and the addition of a second parcel of old Sangiovese vines are two of the reasons Vigna del Sorbo may one day be recognized as the crown jewel in the Fontodi's range..
The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a timeless expression that embraces all the canons of great winemaking. This vineyard-designate expression (Sangiovese and a small part of Cabernet Sauvignon are planted here) boasts a delicately floral side in 2010 with dried violets and blue flower that gracefully lift the bouquet. Beyond the floral tones are shadings of cassis, wet earth, anisette and tobacco. Like the other wines of Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo shows an ethereal side and inner elegance that is impossible to repeat elsewhere. It’s sure to develop bottle complexity over the years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Fontodi’s Giovanni Manetti has released one of the top Italian wines of 2010. His Flaccianello della Pieve (assembled from the best parcels of Sangiovese) is an expression of profound beauty and elegance. I tasted this wine early in my work for this issue and found myself returning to my note over and over again, comparing the other great wines of 2010 to Flaccianello. It became my benchmark for the vintage. Importer: Vinifera Imports; www.viniferaimports.com
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.