The 2019 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve is a Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy, produced by Fontodi. This red wine, closed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 14.5%, has garnered substantial praise from critics, emphasizing its potential for aging and complex flavor profile.
James Suckling awarded it a score of 96, noting its "blackberry, black-cherry, bark and ink aromas" and describing it as having "tight, integrated tannins and a solid core of fruit." He advised patience, suggesting it will benefit from further aging: "Needs time to open. Try after 2025." (jamessuckling.com, 8/8/2022).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave an exceptional score of 98, highlighting the wine's ability to encapsulate the character of the vintage and its Tuscan origins. The review praised its "rich concentration and layers of dark fruit" and remarked on its improved tannin management, which has seen a reduction in time spent in barrique in favor of larger oak casks. The wine was likened to the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013, marking it as "more profound." (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 2/10/2023).
Vinous, with a score of 94, described the wine as "potent" with "more than enough mid-palate heft and overall intensity to balance its equally imposing tannins." Antonio Galloni noted flavors of "black cherry, mocha, licorice, lavender, spice, and tobacco" but emphasized the need for time to integrate its oak and soften the tannins. (Vinous, 7/1/2022).
Wine Spectator also rated it 94, calling it a "smooth red" with flavors of "macerated black cherry, blackberry and oak spice." The review highlighted its "polished style" and potential for aging, recommending it be enjoyed from 2023 through 2040. (Wine Spectator, 9/30/2022).
The Wine Independent's Susan Hulme scored it 96, appreciating its "very appealing sweet black cherry nose" and "smoky and creamy" palate. She noted its firm tannins and potential for graceful aging, suggesting it is "still very young and not quite in complete harmony yet." (The Wine Independent, 9/28/2022).
Lastly, Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 97, praising its "toasty aromas of incense, blackberries, sage, and sappy earth." Audrey Frick described it as "full-bodied without being heavy" and highlighted its "supple, ripe tannins" and "dark mineral tones." She recommended allowing it a couple of years and suggested it will improve if stored well, with a drinking window from 2026 to 2046. (jebdunnuck.com, 1/25/2024).
Overall, the 2019 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve is widely recognized for its robust structure, rich flavors, and potential for long-term aging.