Composed entirely of Sangiovese, the 2019 Fontalloro is a compelling wine, with layers of graphite, leather, cherry licorice, and Mediterranean herbs. Medium to full bodied, it has a weightless feel, although it is not lacking for concentration and ripe tannins. This continues to improve and evolve as it opens, so if opening now, it would be worth decanting. If you can, wait a while, since this will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years.

The 2019 Fontalloro is terrific. In this vintage, the blend of three vineyards is a plus in giving a wine endowed with density, resonance and plenty of Sangiovese character. Dried herbs, leather, incense, tobacco and cedar open with time in the glass.

The 2019 Fontalloro is all Sangiovese that is aged in new and second-year barriques for up to 20 months. This vintage is represented by a production of 45,000 bottles. The wine opens to a medium-dark garnet color with lots of rich fruit and oak spice. The tannins are dry and the wine is slightly thinner that I would have expected, especially for a vintage that is identified by extra concentration. With time in the glass, Fontalloro relaxes to show more volume and a broader presentation of dark fruit aromas.

Freshly turned soil, spent coffee grounds and pencil shavings are on the nose with just a hint of dried cherry opening onto a palate bursting with fresh cherries and orange peel, structured by tannins that are welcoming but nonetheless hold their integrity.

Presents plum, mulberry and earth flavors wrapped in smoky, toasty oak, with dense tannins underneath. Wiry and elegant yet balanced, with a lingering spice- and smoke-infused aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2024 through 2033.