94pts James Suckling
Attractive aromas of dark cherries, chocolate and baking spices with hints of walnut and dried mushrooms. Firm and structured with a full body and juicy acidity. Tight-grained tannins and a chewy finish. Needs some time to soften. Sustainable.
90pts Jeb Dunnuck
An opaque red with a tinge of purple, the 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Fonte Alla Selva is forward with mature, ripe aromas of baked red plum, cherry pie, sweet balsamic herbs, and melding vanilla spice. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with expanding tannins, has a rounded mid-palate with a meaty texture, and an earthy finish with notes of dried herbs and leaves, but it retains some freshness. Although it’s still well-balanced for the style, it shows a more evolved profile than I would expect, with a more autumnal sensibility, and is prime for drinking now or over the next year or two. Drink 2024-2026.
Winemaker's Notes
Intense and deep color. The nose is complex with fruity hints of jam, tobacco and a light note of leather. Structure at the same time fresh and very full, round and made up of sweet tannins that give dimension and length. Of excellent persistence.
History
Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery located in the Brunello region of Tuscany. This award-winning estate was founded on the philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, and is recognized as a pioneer in elevating the standards of Italian winemaking. Dedication to excellence has won the approval of aficionados the world over. Capturing honor after prestigious honor, Castello Banfi is a constellation of single vineyards encompassing over three dozen varying subsoils. The estate is renowned for its clonal research that allows noble grape varieties to thrive in their optimal terroir, creating not only a consistently outstanding Brunello, but the ultimate expression of Montalcino Super Tuscans.
