Fontodi Does it Again 95 Points

Coming to the Seattle market in late August/ early September:

Fontodi’s much sought after Chianti Classico Riserva cru Sorbo scored 95 points from Antonio Galloni of Wine Enthusiast below are the full notes:

2004 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo
Fontodi A Sangiovese Dry Red Table wine from
Panzano, Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 177Jun 2008
Antonio Galloni
95
Drink 2012 - 2024
$47-$48 (69)
The 2004 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is an explosive wine endowed with a layered, sumptuous expression of sweet dark fruit. Menthol, licorice and floral overtones develop in the glass, adding further complexity. This stunningly beautiful wine offers tremendous persistence yet it will require patience as its structural components are formidable. I tasted the Vigna del Sorbo several times, including alongside Felsina’s Riserva Rancia, consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei’s other top-notch Riserva. Both wines were exceptional, but the Vigna del Sorbo showed a touch more freshness typical of wines from Panzano. Simply put, 2004 is a phenomenal vintage for this wine. Vigna del Sorbo is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon which was grafted onto the rootstocks of the white varieties that were previously planted in the vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.This is another set of top-notch releases from proprietor Giovanni Manetti and long-time consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei. Unfortunately as we go to press the 2006 Chianti Classico is still in barrel awaiting final assembling and bottling. I tasted various lots in barrel, though, and the wine is very promising. I will add a tasting note to our website, www.erobertparker.com as soon as I have an opportunity to taste the finished wine.

Also great in this vintage is the Chianti Classico which comes from a blend of different sites.

No slouch itself (90 points in current vintage) here are the notes for it:

2004 Fontodi Chianti Classico
Fontodi A Sangiovese Dry Red Table wine from
Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 171Jun 2007
Antonio Galloni
90
Drink 2007 - 2012
$25-$42 (32)
The estate’s 2004 Chianti Classico shows the pedigree of its superior vintage. A dark ruby, it offers gorgeous aromatics along with plenty of clean, vibrant red cherry fruit and an almost weightless, super-elegant personality. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity:2007-2012.

Vineyard notes on Fontodi:
The vineyards at Fontodi, comprising of 67 hectares, are wholly situated in the valley of the Conca D'oro (the Golden Basin) which lies to the south of the town of Panzano and has an average altitude of 400m above sea level. The southern aspect of the vineyards and their position in a natural amphitheatre provide optimum climatic conditions to achieve perfect ripening for the grapes and therefore wines of great character and structure. The natural marl soil ensures perfect drainage and the roots of the vines grow down deeply encouraging the absorption of the minerals needed for their metabolism.

VERDICCHIO CLASSSICO DOC- “ DONNA GINEVRA”

Verdicchio is a native variety typical of Castelli di Jesi, an area of Central-Eastern Italy with a micro climate very favourable for the grapes.

It is said that the most expert winegrowers of the Vallesina area were the Benedettini monks during the XII and XIII centuries.
On this particularly fertile soil surrounding Staffolo, perfect for grape growing, the message has been well received setting a good example. According to the legend, in the XV century the "Lanzichenecchi" mercenaries were on the look out for land and houses to pillage and plunder. They went no further than the gates of Staffolo because they were won over by the Verdicchio of this area.
These grapes have unique characteristic as they do not produce results if grown in any other area besides the Marche region; this makes the “terroir” concept very important for the Verdicchio wine.

The Count Giovanni Baldeschi Balleani has a particular care of the cultivation, with natural methods and pruning techniques that allow a very low return by hectare, all this to favor quality.

The vintage is made in boxes at the middle of October, after the wine ferments and has only self scented notes, with a controlled temperature. The wine is left to deposit naturally and then is filtered with soft technique in order to maintain the structure and the bouquet.

Tasting: Bright, very pale gold color. Aromas of pears and white peaches LEAP from the glass accompanied by notes of minerals and pale honey. The palate is sprightly and intense with very well defined flavors of bitter almond, iodine, lime zest, and grapefruit juice. The wine is super fresh and finishes with great length.

Pairing: fish, white meats, ham, fresh cheese