2016 Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 750 ml

Castello di Bossi’s regal, lavishly textured, 97-point 2016 Gran Selezione is a shot at true Sangiovese nobility.

This historic estate’s top-tier release, called “stunning” by James Suckling, displays incredible power and intensity on the palate with effortless elegance and polish, this Gran Selezione is agile yet powerful—a veritable Tuscan showstopper.

The terroir of the southerly Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone—renowned for turning out richly concentrated masterpieces―in combination with a fantastic growing season, supplied this 2016 with the makings of legend. Nuanced black cherry, leather, and wild-herb tones are anchored by a firm tannic grip cut through by a bright, refreshing acidity.

“In my estimation, Marco Bacci’s Castello di Bossi delivers one of the absolute best expressions of Chianti Classico from the Castelnuovo Berardenga,” said Wine Advocate. The Baccis acquired the 14th-century estate in 1980 and hired superstar enologist Alberto Antonini, who coaxes a marvelous expression of place from Bossi’s organically farmed grapes.

Thanks to his efforts, Castello di Bossi has been able to produce critically acclaimed hits like this Gran Selezione, which shows the kind of harmony and sophistication that typically requires a decade to achieve. During a hot growing season, when warmth penetrated deeply into the rolling green hills of the 1260-acre estate, the cool nights in Bossi’s high-altitude vineyards helped rein in the quickly developing ripeness in the grapes, preserving acidity and balance. 

After fermentation in stainless steel, this creme-de-la-creme selection spent two years in 500-liter French barrels, lending a kiss of polish and aiding integration, followed by another six months in barrel. As Suckling recognized, the wine already has the stature of ones five years older—and that go for five times the price.