san felice vigorello 2018 750ml

Agricola San Felice is steeped in local lore and history. Named after a local early Christian Saint from the 18th century, the property was bought by the Grisaldi Del Taja family who produced wine at the property for several centuries and were founding members of the Chianti Classico consortium. In 1968 the estate passed into the hands of the late Enzo Morganti. Before assuming control over the estate in 1968, Enzo Morganti established a reputation as a Tuscan wine pioneer having spent two decades researching and experimenting with Sangiovese clones at Tenuta di Lilliano. At San Felice, he restructured and transformed this venerable estate, concentrating on high quality winemaking, systematic scientific research and thoughtful vineyard purchases, which included the Campogiovanni vineyard in Montalcino in 1984. Today the property includes a 1,853 acre resort, 445 acres of vineyards and a 44 acre parcel dedicated to experimental viticulture and genetic improvement of Sangiovese, The San Felice vineyards are situated in the gently rolling hills of the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico, where the vines are planted in two different soil types: calcareous clay and a combination of sand and lime. The terroir of Campogiovanni, including its sandy, mineral-rich argillous soil, allows Sangiovese vines to grow slowly and steadily, therefore producing unusually complete and balanced grapes. In addition to indigenous varietals like Toscana's classic Sangiovese, San Felice has plantings of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Like Enzo, winemaker Leonardo Bellacini is a Sangiovesist and carries on the legacy of tradition and research and experimentation.

Winemaker Notes:
Dense, garnet-flecked ruby. Releases a rich medley of red currant, sweet spice, and pungent underbrush. Warm and rich in the mouth, with expressive tannins and smooth hints of vanilla. Perfect with grills and roasts, particularly game and lamb, and aged cheeses

Blend: 35% Pugnitello, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

Critical Acclaim:

WS94, Wine Spectator

"Still marked by vanilla and new oak, but this has loads of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit. It's rich without overextraction, boasting dense tannins, superb balance and a long finish. Pugnitello, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. To be released in 2022 for Vigorello's 50th anniversary. —San Felice Vigorello Non-blind Retrospective (April 2021). Best from 2025 through 2050."

JS93, James Suckling

"Very attractive blackberries and currants with hints of chocolate and fresh herbs, such as lemon grass. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Will age nicely, but why wait?"

D93, Decanter

"The 35% of Pugnitello - a thick-skinned grape planted in Alberese chalky soil - gives this vintage a bracing character, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot bring structure and suppleness. Clove and black pepper dominate the nose with cassis aromas and flavours enhanced by graphite minerality. Full and dense, this Vigorello flows... velvety and refreshing. In the context of the lean 2018 vintage, this has great concentration with ability to age. 'A surprising wine, it is recomposing itself in bottle' said Leonardo Bellaccini, winemaker and production manager for San Felice."

750ml Bottle