Fontodi's 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a fabulous, riveting wine that grabs hold of all the senses. There is plenty of the richness and textural depth that have always been a Fontodi signature, but in the more contemporary style that seeks to marry power and elegance. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 is still very much in its inky, primary stage.

Very precise and focused with blueberry, blackberry and currant character. Chewy yet tight tannins. Full body and fabulous density and length. A classic. Needs five or six years to open completely but so beautiful in its youth. Real deal. From organically grown grapes. Pure sangiovese.

The 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a commanding wine and a strong protagonist of both the vintage and its territory. Connoisseurs of Sangiovese will be hard pressed to find a wine more authentic, elegant, complex and pristine than this. I am a huge fan of the 2013 vintage in Chianti Classico and the Flaccianello della Pieva is one big reason for this love affair. The bouquet is gorgeous and delineated with wild berry, tangy spice, crushed mineral and forest flower. Yet, the wine's color is dark, brooding and austere. The wine offers exuberance and energy in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and seemingly never-ending finish. It should age forward for twenty years or more. Congratulations Fontodi. (Monica Larner)

The gorgeous 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is going through a closed phase at the moment. Let's give the wine a few more years to sort itself out. This window of momentary shyness is a very encouraging sign when you consider how far this wine will travel to complete its evolutionary path. This vintage saw a cool spring that got the season off to a late start. Mild summer temperatures meant that the harvest also came later, with fruit picked the first week of October. The natural characteristics of this vintage include higher total acidity, increased tannic structure and slightly lower alcohol content. The 2013 Flaccianello hits the trifecta of positive potential aging attributes. Indeed, the wine is almost rigid and nervous at this early stage in its adolescence. Like proud parents, we will wait and watch this bottle blossom over time.

‘2013 was a special vintage for us,’ explains Bernardo Manetti, son of owner Giovanni Manetti. Fontodi showed three excellent vintages in the Cellar Collection room at the 2023 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter – 2006, 2010 and 2013 – but the latter was the pick of the bunch for its powerful tannic structure juxtaposed with juicy acidity, perfumed, finessed fruit and cedary, tobacco inflections. Gorgeous!

Made from 1981 from 100% selected Sangiovese, mainly at 500 m elevation. Aged for 24 months in French barriques where malo takes place. Average production 60,000 bottles. So light and pure! Much more approachable than the Vigna del Sorbo. Really racy, this sings loudly. Spicy and glorious. Wonderful purity. (JR)

Organic. 100% Sangiovese. Deep cherry red. Distinctive aroma that combines both fresh dark fruit and a minty/balsamic note. Terrific freshness from both acidity and the lively tannic texture. Fine grained, firm, savoury with an umami spice on the finish and great length. (JH)