2002 Vin San Giusto
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The 2002 Vin San Giusto is made from 90% Malvasia and 10% Trebbiano that is air dried for over four months prior to being vinified and aged in a combination of small oak barrels. The wine spends an incredible six years in oak, during which as much as 40% of the water evaporates, leaving a plush, soft dessert wine of incomparable elegance. Sweet spices, honey, plums, roasted coffee beans, maple syrup and dried flowers are just some of the nuances that flow from this rich, sumptuous wine. The Vin San Giusto comes in at an incredible 390 grams of residual sugar, far in excess of what is allowed for Vin Santo, hence its labeling as a proprietary sweet wine. As delicious as this is now, it also likely to be nearly immortal. 375 ml
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
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The 2002 Vin San Giusto is made from 90% Malvasia and 10% Trebbiano that is air dried for over four months prior to being vinified and aged in a combination of small oak barrels. The wine spends an incredible six years in oak, during which as much as 40% of the water evaporates, leaving a plush, soft dessert wine of incomparable elegance. Sweet spices, honey, plums, roasted coffee beans, maple syrup and dried flowers are just some of the nuances that flow from this rich, sumptuous wine. The Vin San Giusto comes in at an incredible 390 grams of residual sugar, far in excess of what is allowed for Vin Santo, hence its labeling as a proprietary sweet wine. As delicious as this is now, it also likely to be nearly immortal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. San Giusto is one of the pearls of Italy. This small, family-run property is a great source for hand-made, artisan wines that reflect the best of the Tuscan vigneron spirit. Simply put, I was blown away by most of these new releases. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119
San Giusto is less well known than San Giusto a Rentennano in Chianti Classico, but there are few estates in Italy with the scenic beauty of this small property on the Tuscan coast. Just five steps outside the cellar doors, a full panorama of the island of Elba and the Mediterranean sea opens up before one’s eyes. Pierluigi Bonti’s wines do full justice to the spot, starting with the 2002 San Giusto Rosso, a Sangiovese with much aromatic energy and focus, fine fruit and floral notes, vigor and length on the palate, and a surprising fleshiness for so rainy a vintage. Drink: 2006-2010. Importer: Steven Berardi, Elizabeth Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 329-3180
The Vermentino-based 2002 Bianco, an attractive light gold in color, expresses ripe pears, tropical fruit and caramel in its nose, and the refreshing acidity of the palate balances the sweetness of the flavors. Importer: Steven Berardi, Elizabeth Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 394-0691
About the producer
San Giusto a Rentennano is one of the leading producers in the Chianti Classico region. Its 100% Merlot Super Tuscan La Ricolma and 100% Sangiovese cuvée, Percarlo, are two of the most consistent and collected fine wines in Tuscany.