Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva, Rancia | 2016

Iconic Rancia. The south-facing vineyard, planted to Sangiovese, is high for Tuscany, a grand 420 meters in altitude with an accordion of soils from white chalks to dark schists. With the key terroir boxes checked off, it's no surprise that Rancia is consistently one of the most appraised and highest scoring expressions of Sangiovese. Aged in a combination of small and medium sized French oak barrels, Rancia has polish, powered by an excellent vintage. The nose screams, I am  Italian! with its wild Amarena cherry and truffle-like spice, followed by a palate that is decadent, yet stays within the fine lines of elegance and grace. The best part? You can hold onto this wine for a good ten years or pop the cork now and enjoy this delicious and exuberant phase. ~AA