Fontodi’s Chianti Classico overdelivering in 2021

Last week we had the top shelf wines from Fontodi and today we want to give attention to the Chianti Classico which in 2021 over-delivers and offers incredible value.

Fontodi’s Chianti Classico 2021 is a triumph, capturing the essence of Tuscany’s famed Conca d’Oro. This organic 100% Sangiovese delivers exceptional value, offering rich layers of dark cherry, blackberry, and hints of coffee and liquorice. Structured with ripe, gravelly tannins, the wine embodies the power of the 2021 vintage while retaining its charismatic energy and elegance.

Crafted under Giovanni Manetti’s leadership, the 2021 vintage showcases refinement and precision, earning 94 points from Antonio Galloni, who praised its “gorgeous refinement” and “ultra-finessed tannins.” Michaela Morris of Decanter also highlights its exceptional quality, calling it “emblematic” of Chianti Classico’s potential. A standout for its balance and ageing potential, this is a wine that overdelivers year after year. For fans of Fontodi, this is an essential addition to the cellar, offering pleasure now and promise for the next decade.

This is one of these wines that the team at the Fine Wine Library loves and we buy each vintages without fail for our personal collections. The price to quality here is always great. With the 2021 vintage being one of the best in the the region, we can particularly recommend buying a couple of cases 2021 and tucking away at the back of cellar. For a humble Chianti Classico, this will drink for another decade and a half to 2041 (AG).

Add these to your collection before they’re gone.

"The single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop. The 2021s are majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation. Quality is consistently high across the region, while many wines hit breathtaking peaks of excellence. [...] a vintage to buy deep." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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 Fontodi Chianti Classico 2021

 

94 Points | Vinous

The 2021 Chianti Classico is classic wine from the estate, done in the more restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There's plenty of Panzano richness, but more energy and less heaviness than what was common just a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico gorgeous refinement. Spice, flowers, mocha and blue fruits linger, all wrapped together by ultra-finessed tannins. The 2021 spent 20-22 months in barrel—65% cask and 35% neutral French oak barriques.

94 Points | Decanter, Michaela Morris

Emblematic of the exceptional quality offered at Chianti Classico’s annata level, Fontodi’s 2021 over-delivers yet again, exuding the wild, tousled, arid Tuscan countryside on a backdrop of dark, layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice ripple through concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this shows the power of the vintage without being forceful and maintains charismatic energy throughout. It's worth waiting a few more months before tucking in, but properly cellared, this will easily keep delivering for a decade.

92 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

The organic Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico shows extra density in this vintage. There are ripe fruit aromas with blackberry and plum. You also get rich meatiness or thickness to the fruit that adds to the overall dimension and mouthfeel of this approachable wine. Bright acidity brings all these elements into greater focus.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Fontodi.

“As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco” - 100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Château Cheval Blanc, one of the most celebrated and revered wine estates in the world, stands as a symbol of unparalleled quality in Bordeaux’s Right Bank. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the highest classification in Saint-Émilion, Cheval Blanc has consistently produced wines of remarkable finesse, complexity, and longevity. The estate’s unique terroir, combined with a commitment to excellence, has made Cheval Blanc a benchmark for Merlot and Cabernet Franc-based wines.

The 2020 vintage of Château Cheval Blanc is a stunning example of the estate’s mastery and the strength of this exceptional year in Bordeaux. Marking the final instalment of a remarkable trilogy alongside 2018 and 2019, the 2020 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry growing season balanced by well-timed rains. Despite the challenges of drought conditions, the estate’s meticulous vineyard management and the unique terroir ensured perfect ripeness and harmony.

The 2020 Cheval Blanc showcases a seamless blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering an extraordinary balance of power and elegance. Aromas of ripe blackberries, violets, and fresh herbs unfold on the nose, while the palate reveals layers of dark fruit, graphite, and subtle spice. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure, leading to a finish of exceptional length and finesse. This vintage is poised to age beautifully, further cementing Cheval Blanc’s legacy as one of Bordeaux’s true icons.

Since En Primeur, the 2020 Cheval Blanc has received score upgrades, increasing its desirability. We believe this is the perfect moment to secure this sought-after vintage while we can still offer it at a competitive price—before rising market demand inevitably drives prices higher.mand.

Both Jane Anson and Jeb Dunnuck have awarded the wine a perfect 100-Point rating whilst Galloni, Neal Martin, Suckling and Lisa Perrotti-Brown follow shortly behind with 99’s and 98’s. We’ve put a large number of reviews below for your viewing below but perhaps Neal Martin summarises it best for us; “There's not an edge to be found on the persistent and graceful finish. Captivating. Mesmerizing. How many more adjectives do you need?”

We have a small number of single bottles available and a couple of cases of 6x75cl at a very competitive price. These will make a great addition to any Bordeaux lovers collection, grab them whilst you can this week.

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Cheval Blanc 2020

100 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux

Intense, indelible, with layer upon layer of blueberry, raspberry, pomegranate, fennel, liqourice, pencil, espresso, crushed rocks, just so much character and poise. The driest year at Cheval Blanc since 1959, with 71% of production from the 39ha estate in this wine, technical director Pierre Olivier Clouet. This continues to be bottled as Premier Grand Cru Classé A until the 2022 vintage, following its withdrawal from the ranking, which will make an interesting footnote for collectors I would imagine, but makes zero difference to the brilliance of what is in the bottle.

100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2020 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised, as always, in 100% new French oak. As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco. Absolutely flawless on the palate, it's full-bodied, has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This powerful, concentrated Cheval Blanc offers pleasure even today (needs lots of air) but warrants 7-8 years of bottle age and will see its 40th birthday in fine form.

99 Points | Decanter, Jane Anson

Spice, anis, rosemary, blackcurrant leaf, redcurrants, mint and peonies - the full array of aromatics are on display here, and there is an enveloping aspect to the fruit once you get to the body of the wine. The tannins are compact and powerful but they are wrapped in plump raspberry and blackberry brambled fruits. The wine feels full of life, with acidity that pulls the palate forward from the first moment, before austerity kicks in on the finish and closes things in, suggesting an extremely long life ahead. Hard to argue with this. 71% of overall production. The driest year at Cheval Blanc for 50 years (since 1959). Could go up after tasting in bottle, a potential 100 points.

99 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni

The 2020 Cheval Blanc is eternal, seamless and exceptionally beautiful. All the elements are so well put together. Rose petal, blood orange, raspberry jam and cinnamon all take shape in the glass. Above all else, the 2020 Cheval Blanc is a wine of mind-blowing balance. Hints of mocha, raspberry jam, pomegranate and spice emerge with time in the glass. Cheval is quite simply one of the truly great wines of the vintage.

98 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin

The 2020 Cheval Blanc has such a pretty, floral bouquet that you will instantly be smitten: very well defined and extremely pure with an almost Burgundian allure. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins and a cashmere texture. There's not an edge to be found on the persistent and graceful finish. Captivating. Mesmerizing. How many more adjectives do you need? Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

98 Points | James Suckling

Lots of blueberries and flowers such as violets and crushed stone. This is very structured and muscular with minerally tannins that run the length of the wine. Very closed. Polished texture that gives it class and presence. This is one for the cellar. 65% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2030.

98 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Cheval Blanc has more Merlot than usual as some of the young Cabernet Franc that would normally be used was not suitable this year but the Merlot was outstanding! It has a deep purple-black color and a pH of 3.7. The nose is very closed and tight to begin, needing a lot of swirling to coax out notes of plum preserves, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of pencil shavings, clove oil, candied violets, cast-iron pan, and fertile loam, with a waft of wild sage. The medium to full-bodied palate is locked-up tight, with loads of layers, bound with a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy. It will need a lot of time!

 

See all available wines and vintages of Cheval Blanc.

Clos des Papes, a historic estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is renowned for crafting some of the appellation’s finest wines. Established in 1896, it has remained a family-run domaine, now overseen by Paul-Vincent Avril. With 35 hectares planted across 24 plots, the estate cultivates Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and other traditional varietals. Known for its elegant, age-worthy wines, Clos des Papes focuses on minimal intervention, emphasizing purity and the unique expression of Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s diverse terroirs.

The 2019 vintage in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a classical vintage, delivering rich, powerful wines with full-bodied profiles and firm structure. Ripe black fruits, vibrant acidity, and tannic backbone ensure exceptional ageing potential. Drawing comparisons to legendary vintages like 2010 and 1989, the 2019s combine concentration with balance, making them a standout choice for collectors.

The Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019 is a masterpiece of elegance and complexity. A blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 5% other varieties, this wine offers aromas of kirsch, incense, and spice. On the palate, it’s rich yet balanced, with silky tannins, vibrant red fruit, and incredible depth. With 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck, it promises a drinking window of two to three decades, showcasing classic Clos des Papes finesse.

Don't miss the chance to secure a true classic for your cellar.

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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019

 

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a stunning example of this estate as well as the vintage. Gorgeous kirsch, flowery incense, spice box, and garrigue-like notes define the nose, and it hits the palate with classic Clos des Papes elegance and finesse backed up by a great mid-palate, fabulous concentration, and a monster of a finish. Don’t miss this beauty. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure or cellared for two decades.

98 Points | Decanter

Bright and floral on the nose. The tannins are extremely fine, almost imperceptible, but very much present, giving the wine a strong base for long ageing. It's perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year. Rich but bright, very complete and pure with no excesses. Vines are typically 30 to 40 years old, spread across 24 parcels. Matured for 12 months in foudres of at least four years of age.

97+ Points | Wine Advocate

Coming in at 16% alcohol (like the 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes carries it comfortably, showing no sign of overt heat or overripeness. Hints of leather and crushed stone appear on the nose, adding a pleasant nuance to the somewhat monolithic black-cherry fruit. It shows less nuance and complexity than the 2020 at this stage but shows plenty of promise, as its concentration is matched by freshness and a long, reasonably elegant, finish. This will likely need some time to come around.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Clos des Papes.