1994 & 2015 Felsina "Fontalloro" Toscana & "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva Tasting Lot

“A strong and very tannic young wine, showing ripe berry with hints of smoke and mocha. Medium-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Best after 1999. 5,330 cases made. (JS)” (12/1998)

“If Tuscany had a formal vineyard classification Rancia would be a Grand Cru. And that is exactly what comes through in the 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia. Silky, sensual and finessed to the core, the 2015 is absolutely stellar. The ripeness of the tannins allows the natural radiance of the year to come through loud and clear. The 2015 is a special. Rancia is quite simply one of the world's greatest and most iconic wines. (AG) 97+” (07/2018)

“Plenty of dark plums, black cherries, blackberry pie, cedar, tobacco and a hint of orange rind. There’s a real vitality to the palate, which is so well carved out by firm, savory tannins and seriously bright acidity. A chewy finish.” (07/2018)

“Produced since 1983, Rancia hails from a 9ha vineyard sitting at 418 metres above sea level. It's a massal selection where the old vines provide material for newer plantings. Aged in French barriques (50% new), this leads with subtle vanilla aromas before wild forest berries and violets take over. This is very polished and silky in texture, although the tannins build stealthily and an underlying iron nuance adds intrigue. The finish lingers, promising much more to come. Highly satisfying. (MM)” (02/2018)

“The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is a tremendous wine with an impactful yet very elegant bouquet. The central theme here is darkness and richness, and you get both of those things to the extent that Sangiovese can offer. The magic here is that Sangiovese sticks stubbornly to its inner grace and elegance, especially in a classic vintage such as this. Gravel alberese soils add to the wine's overall sharpness and detailed focus. There is a touch of sweet cherry confit ripeness on the close. Some 40,000 bottles were made. (ML)” (10/2018)

“Brisk acidity and orange-peel accents propel this wine’s saturated red cherry flavors. The wine is a lively expression of Tuscan terroir, brimming with notes of fennel and sage, brightened by chalky mineral tones. It’s ageworthy, yet hard to resist now.” (04/2019)

“The fine cherry, plum, leather and spice flavors pick up accents of chocolate, earth and mineral as this red gathers steam. Builds to a firmly structured finish, where sweet fruit and dusty tannins linger. (BS)” (08/2018)