The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is stunning. That's hardly a surprise as Paolo De Marchi has a track record of making compelling Gran Seleziones in his own unique style. A brilliant, focused wine, the 2016 bristles with energy from start to finish. It is the rare wine that offers superb evolution in the glass as it opens over time. The blend is 90% Sangiovese plus dollops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah.

This is a beautiful wine that is only made in the best vintages. In fact, I have only ever tasted 2006 (a late release), 2010 and 2013 before this bottle. The Isole e Olena 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is 90% Sangiovese enhanced with tiny percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Production is limited to a mere 3,000 bottles that will not be released commercially until spring 2022. The wine is enormously bright and buoyant in this classic vintage with lingering fruit and cherry that remains intact and fresh even when tasted now some five years after the harvest. Hints of leather, tar and potting soil softly fill in the rear. This wine promises a long and healthy aging future ahead.

Full bottle 1,646 g. Deep, impenetrable ruby. Brooding, deep and concentrated with hints of oak and dark malt bread. Tightly knit, tangy red and dark fruit with fine, long, persistent tannins. Finely balanced but still embryonic. Transparent and elegant on the finish. Thoroughbred. (WS)