2018 ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI SAN MARCELLINO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO The Rocca di Montegrossi Estate boasts a storied history that traces its roots to the 7th century AD. Today, dedicated owner Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi meticulously attends to every facet of vineyard operations. Collaborating with esteemed consultant agronomists Dr. Stefano Dini and Dr. Dario Ceccatelli, Marco ensures the flourishing health of each vine. Modern winemaking facilities merge with traditional techniques in the cellar, imparting a distinctly classic Tuscan identity to the wines. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Marcellino is only produced in the best vintages, selecting the finest fruit from the vineyard. The 2018 release is 90% Sangiovese with 10% Pugnitello, a winery tradition since 2006. It's matured for 25 months in Allier oak and rested in the bottle for another 24 months before release, and this wine proved to be an absolute stunner to our tasting panel. We unanimously selected this as wine-of-the-night among 70 other wines. Additional Review: "The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Marcellino offers more purity and lift compared to the 2017. It pours a rich ruby hue, with aromas of candied black raspberry, cherry, wooded earth, and fresh lavender, and it is long, ripe, and pure on the palate. Elegant and refined, with wild raspberry, as it opens more savory herbs. rosemary and tomato leaf emerge. It is drinking well now but will continue to improve 2024-2040." 94 Points