2016 Rocca di Montegrossi San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany

Vigna San Marcellino is both youthfully fresh and maturely complex. It includes a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and both this and the Sangiovese saw long post-fermentation macerations of over 30 days in 2016. Liquorice, tarragon and broom interlace with exuberant plum and understated toasted nuances that are seductive. Laden with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins, the palate is creamy in texture, while underlying chalkiness and saline minerality lend energy, leading to a sappy, refreshing finish.

96 points Michaela Morris MW decanter.com

A meaty, muscular version, this red displays black cherry, blackberry, tar, leather and iron aromas and flavors, offering a beam of fruit within a tightly wound, vibrant structure. Fine length. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best from 2024 through 2045.

95 points Bruce Sanderson winespectator.com

Captivating and attractive in its feminine matrix loaded with floral notes of wild violet, lavender, flowering hydrangeas, hyacinth and sour cherry. There's more in the background with notes of magnolia, jasmine and acacia. Full bodied, strong and structured on the palate showing grip and tension thanks to the slightly astingent fine grain tannins and a vertical finale, decidedly sharp. Better from 2024.

95 points Raffaele Vecchione WinesCritic.com

This wine is produced only in top great vintages, using the finest grapes selected from the San Marcellino vineyard that surrounds the Church of San Marcellino in Monti in Chianti: Since 2006 the San Marcellino cuvee has included about 5% Pugnitello. The wine ages for about 24 months in medium toast barriques from Allier. It is bottled unfiltered to preserve its elegance and freshness, and aged in bottle for at least 24 months prior to release. San Marcellino displays beautiful structure, with vibrant, elegant tannins accompanied by harmonious savory accents. It’s an extremely well balanced, persistent wine.