2015 Dievole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'Vigna di Sessina'
What’s a “Gran Selezione,” you ask? It’s basically a “super-Riserva” of a Chianti Classico winery’s finest vineyards, with longer time in barrel, and higher minimum alcohol and dry extract. It’s a winery’s Grand Cru expression, like this beautiful 100% Sangiovese from the Sessina vineyard that Suckling loved for its “Aromas of cinnamon, tree bark, resin and ripe fruit. Dark berries, too. Full-bodied, chewy and tannic.” A masterpiece of Tuscany, built to age and to embarrass much more expensive Brunelli. The pro pairing here is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, with fresh Ligurian olive oil and sea salt.
James Suckling
Aromas of cinnamon, tree bark, resin and ripe fruit. Dark berries, too. Full-bodied, chewy and tannic. Lots of new wood. Needs two or three years to soften. Better in 2020.
Wine Advocate
This is the first release of a Gran Selezione single-vineyard wine from Dievole. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina (100% Sangiovese) opens to a dark and enriched appearance that mirrors the heat and sunny conditions of this fruit-forward vintage. Indeed, there is a sweet spot in this wine that is reinforced by bold cherry and blackberry aromas. This vintage is very accessible and immediate.
Wine Spectator
Ripe, laced with cherry, currant, licorice, iron and leafy, tobacco flavors. Despite the big, burly tannins, this offers ample fruit and complexity. Needs time to unpack.