Good news galore today Operatives!

Big Tuscan for little dough anyone? Like the equivalent of less than 20 bucks per your good old 750 for a red with crazy pedigree and resounding accolades. When you stop to SIP (Shelter in Place) and start to SIP (more like gulp) with friends and family again, you WILL thank us for these big bottles of utter deliciousness. These 2016s are the stuff of legends, as best phrased by James Suckling; “the conditions and situation in 2016 could hardly have been more conducive to making some of the best wines ever for Chianti Classico” and we bring you just that today, in a for the ages Magnum format nonetheless!

Striking vivid ruby with a mild fade to a crimson circumference bordering garnet. Highly nuanced perfume with bold black cherries upfront, and a backdrop of exotic herbs. Balanced palate impression, with pretty mineral notes, followed by mild spice and ripe blackberries. The density and complexity are strikingly youthful with major tannic crunchiness on the loud finish. Give this structured yet seamless beast some time or breathe long before serving with rich cuisine, of ideally local Tuscan recipes.

Antonio Galloni famously once said; “If you were to cut Fèlsina proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s veins the man would bleed Sangiovese, such is his passion for Tuscany’s most important native grape.” and most recently reported; “My visit to Fèlsina was one of the many highlights of my most recent trip to Chianti Classico. I tasted a wide range of wines with Giuseppe Mazzocolin and Giovanni Poggiali. Even after a long day, it was frankly hard to leave the tasting room. The wines were every bit that compelling. The estate’s 2016s are simply magnificent. Readers will get a very good sense of the elegance of 2016 with this range. While it is certainly tempting to focus on the flagships, both the Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva are fabulous choices for readers looking for ageworthy wines that are affordable, something that has always been a strong suit at Fèlsina, where prices remain exceedingly fair. More than anything else, though, Fèlsina represents all the best values of Chianti Classico and its wines.”

To stress why this deal rocks, let’s revert to the Wine Spectator; “The Sangiovese bunches hanging on the vines in Chianti Classico’s late August sun in 2016 looked superb… It’s interesting to note how many of the top 2016s are, in fact, from the historic Chianti Classico zone in central Tuscany. With the back-to-back harvests of 2015 and 2016, Chianti Classico has established itself as a source for some of Tuscany’s best reds, on par with Montalcino, Montepulciano or the coastal region of Bolgheri. For fans of Tuscany, the good news is that both the 2015 and 2016 vintages elevated quality while still delivering plenty of values as well… it’s a great opportunity to either stock your cellar or expand your horizons with new producers and wines. If you are just discovering the region and its different expressions of Sangiovese, your timing is perfect, with the duo of 2015 and 2016 offering a bounty of excellent reds. It may be some time before Italy’s premier region offers such back-to-back riches.”

Bad news last: There is not a whole lot of these Magnums imported, so if you have read this far before scooping some up, we just can’t guarantee that they will be up for long. ACT FAST!

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

92 Points – James Suckling - “A rich and juicy Chianti Classico with lots of dark-fruit and walnut-skin character, as well as hints of hazelnuts. Medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”

91 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous - “I continue to be impressed with Pagliarese, which is part of the Fèlsina group of estates. The distinctly classic-leaning approach that, among other things, emphasizes mid-weight structure and the use of Canaiolo and Mammolo as complements to Sangiovese stands quite apart from the more robust 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classicos at Fèlsina. The Chianti Classico in particular is of note for its quality, pedigree and budget-friendly price. The 2016 is a powerful wine. Unlike most Chianti Classicos, the 2016 Pagliarese is going to need at least a few years to be at its best. Today, 2016 exudes a classic sense of austerity that needs time to resolve. A range of earthy and savory notes give the 2016 its distinct personality. Drink 2020-2031.”