2017 Chianti Classico le Baroncole
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is surprisingly closed. That's actually a good thing for the future, but readers need to be prepared to cellar the 2017 for at least a few years. Today, the tannins are quite prominent. Sweet red berry, chalk, white pepper and mint give the 2017 quite a bit of freshness.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is a beautiful wine that delivers elegance and grace despite the difficult conditions of the growing season that saw drought and hot summer temperatures. The wine shows depth and concentration with black fruit, crushed flowers, charred meat and potting soil. There is some phenolic bitterness here (probably due to the lack of moisture in the soils); however, the late-ripening Sangiovese grape performs nicely overall, thanks to those last few cooler weeks on the vine before harvest. That final phase of ripening has helped to solidify the wine's aromatic intensity. Luca Martini di Cigala has carefully crafted an impressive wine in this vintage.
Gaiole in Chianti. 97% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo. Cask sample. Deep, lustrous ruby. Deep spicy, meaty nose that is still a little closed on the fruit. With aeration, quite pure cherry fruit. Bags of sour cherry and a big layer of sandpapery tannins, but manages to maintain an elegant palate weight throughout. Quite a baroque wine. (WS)
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.