Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2010 - 2011

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.

Critics Ratings

Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2010
“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.” - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Aug 2013)

“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.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 98/100 (May 2014)

Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2011
“Black stone fruits, smoke, tobacco, incense and sweet spices jump from the glass in the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo. The 2011 is going to need a few years for the baby fat to melt away. Today the flavors are ripe, dark and resonant, while the tannins are quite silky, but the best is yet to come. Even with all of its richness, the 2011 clocks in with acidity above 6%, which is virtually unheard of for a wine with this much dry extract, but, then again, we are talking about Sangiovese.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94/100 (May 2014)

“The plush and ripe 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo shows a Type-A personality with bold nuances of black cherry, sweet espresso and baking spice. It is comprised of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and ages for two years in French barrel (half the wine) as well as two months in large oak cask. The opulence and richness definitely stand out (the label registers 15% alcohol). Sweet tannins and rich extraction make up the finish.” - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Oct 2014)