94+ The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special growing site with alberese limestone soils broken up by lots of rocks. The wine is especially balanced and bright in this vintage with lots of cherry fruit definition, crushed stone, dusty mineral and blue flower. The tannins are sweet and rich, adding to an elegant medium-bodied mouthfeel. High-elevation vineyard positions guarantee freshness in this wine. - ML

Fonterutoli is located at the convergence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family produces three separate Gran Selezione to highlight separate communes. Crafted from holdings in Castellina, Castello Fonterutoli exhibits wood-driven aromas of cedar, cinnamon and clove. It's an exuberant mouthful with cherry and plum still wrapped up in oak. The tannins are polished, with graininess adding texture. There's a spike of racy acidity toward the finish which brings in mint and violet notes. (Drink between 2023-2033)

The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spice, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium in body, with plenty of aromatic lift and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this range from the Mazzei family. (Drink between 2022-2031) - AG