Felsina Fontalloro 2018

Ruby red color with rich and intense tones. Variety of aromatic herbs accentuated with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth (dry earth, as well), black currant and licorice. The palate manifests good consistency of medium-smooth tannins to ensure the lengthy aging. Rich structure and weight and elegant breed on the finish. Optimum cellar life in all vintages.

Wine Advocate: 95
To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.

Wine Advocate: 95

To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.

Wine Enthusiast: 93
Forest floor, toasted oak and camphor aromas mingle with dark spice on this 100% Sangiovese. Enveloping and elegantly structured, the savory palate delivers ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, mocha and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Best After 2025.

Vinous: 95
The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won't be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close.

James Suckling: 95
A tight, fresh Fontalloro with dark cherry, chocolate and toasted oak. Some walnut, too. It’s full-bodied, yet polished and structured. Sort of shy. But this will develop really nicely with some bottle age. Drink after 2023.