Castello di Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Only released in 2020, the 2017 'Ser Lapo' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Castello di Fonterutoli is sure to become a classic. This is a wine which always excels, and with such ideal conditions throughout 2017, this vintage should offer wonderful joy for years to come (the 2016 received 97pts from Decanter and the 2015 picked up 95pts from James Suckling). When I tried it in January, pre-release, I was bowled over by how integrated the wine already was - it is big, complex and intense, which can sometimes take time to meld together, but this has been expertly crafted - and whilst it will improve considerably over the coming years, it is already a belter of a wine. I noted an incredible intensity of Sangiovese's classic cherry running through the core of this wine, elegantly supported by ripe strawberry and blackberry notes. Leather, balsamic, and soft woody spices add heft and a savoury, earthy balance to the fruit. The tannins are still firm, but they are velvety in character. Top drawer stuff.