Dense and powerful 2016 Chianti Classico with a deep and rich palate of fruit that is tight and compact. Lots of polished tannins to frame the wine. Full-bodied. The spice, bark, and dried-mushroom character highlights the ripe and luscious fruit. Drink or hold.

The Mazzei family was one of the first and most enthusiastic advocates of the Gran Selezione movement. Their 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a crowning achievement for this storied Chianti Classico winery. From an iconic vintage, this blend of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Malvasia Nera, aged in new and neutral oak for 20 months, shows sharp and delineated lines. Black fruit, plum and cherry intermingle with spice, tobacco and tilled earth. The wine shows zest and energy at its core. An ample 67,000 bottles were made. - ML

The rich texture shows off the cherry, berry and earth flavors, with a backbone of lively acidity and dense, ripe tannins creating tension between this red's elegance and power. Elements of iron, tobacco and Mediterranean herbs complete the flavor profile. Shows fine balance and length. Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Colorino. Best from 2022 through 2040. – BS

The Mazzei family selects grapes for this wine (sangiovese with eight percent malvasia nera and colorino) from the 50 best parcels at the Fonterutoli estate, and ages the wine for 20 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux (60 percent new). The wine shows flavors of ripe black cherry leavened by notes of toasted nuts, tobacco and porcini mushrooms, the darkness of the flavors creating a warm, cozy impression that suggests a pairing with a hearty beef stew.