2008 San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole shows good depth in its dark fruit, but not enough plumpness or structure to stand up to the French oak. With a little more attention to cooperage this could be a super wine.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole shows good depth in its dark fruit, but not enough plumpness or structure to stand up to the French oak. With a little more attention to cooperage this could be a super wine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2023. San Giusto is a reference-point estate that encapsulates so many of the artisan values that make the best wines of Tuscany so appealing. The Baroncole remains San Giusto’s least consistent wine, but all of the other reds are flying very high these days. The sweet San Giusto is an extreme wine, so it is only natural that some years are better than others. 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
Gaiole in Chianti. 97% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo. Medium deep ruby, still youthful-looking. Oak gives it an international appeal on the nose, and this also dominantes the palate at this stage. Closed on the finish, but there is more to come. Very good, but the wine would benefit (especially on the finish) from less oak. (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.