Tuscany’s black grape of renown is Sangiovese. This curated set highlights two expressions of the grape from the region: Chianti Classico Grand Selezione and Brunello. A key difference between the two wines is the blend. Chianti Classico allows a blend of up to 10% of grape varietals other than Sangiovese, while Brunello must be made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. Brunello di Montalcino wines are darker in color, are generally more tannic and age worthy. The total cost is $215.00. You'll save $32.00 of the combined regular retail price.
The three-bottle set includes:
-
96-point Villa Le Corti Don Tommaso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 750 ml
- 95-point La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2015 750 ml
- 91-point La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2014 1.5 liters (magnum bottle)
Villa le Corti Don Tommaso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
96 points, James Suckling
The nose here is packed with blackberries, dark cherries, spices, vanilla and then some delicious herbal and earthy complexity. A fabulous texture follows where layers of dark fruit are pitted against powerful but firm tannins.
93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Tommaso is another nice, earthy wine from Principe Corsini, built with elements of black fruit, tar and red brick. A dark and savory quality of fruit dominates the palate, making for a very linear and bright Sangiovese (blended here with 15% Merlot). This is a great interpretation of the vintage. I especially liked the freshness on the close, accentuated by notes of tobacco, tar and licorice that give the wine strong, broad shoulders. It has a textured, dusty feeling on the close. Enjoy those authentic qualities with a simple Tuscan bean and tomato stew with rosemary and plenty of shaved pecorino.
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2014 MAGNUM (1.5 liters)
91 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
La Gerla's 2014 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a delicately perfumed bouquet with layers of soft berry fruit and blue flower. You get wild rose, lavender and dried violet. Wait a second or two longer, and you might recognize spicy notes of smoked clove and crushed black pepper. This is a lean to mid-weight effort with fragile aromas and a long, silky mouthfeel. Production is 20,000 bottles strong.
91 points, Wine Enthusiast
Enticing scents of rose, woodland berry, exotic spice, smoke and a whiff of grilled herb take shape on this perfumed red. Reflecting the nose, the already approachable palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, star anise and hints of tobacco alongside supple tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2024.
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2015 750 ML
95 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Now we're talking. I tasted the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino after tasting the other samples from La Gerla, and it's amazing how clearly and convincingly that brawny Brunello character comes through. This is a robust and precise wine that shows dark berry fruit, red currant, spice, licorice and grilled herb. I love the way that all that beautiful Sangiovese intensity comes together with immediate focus and clarity. About 40,000 bottles were released. Nice job.
94 points, Wine Spectator
Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. 3,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
94 points, Vinous
La Gerla's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It's so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth. Drinking window: 2024 - 2038.
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