San Giusto a Rentennano - Chianti Classico 2019 (750ml)

Wine Advocate 92 points

"The organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2019 Chianti Classico is another excellent buy from a tight group of iconic Tuscan wine estates. This vintage, made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, is pure and tonic in character. There are clearly etched aromas of blueberry, wild cherry, limestone and crushed stone. These are essential aromas to any traditional expression of Chianti Classico, and this wine delivers them with terrific simplicity and balance. Fruit is sourced from across a 30-hectare vineyard with south-facing exposures. Some 46,560 bottles were made."

"San Giusto a Rentennano is a certified organic grape grower since 2006, and the estate's olives are organic since 2001. Proprietor Luca Martini di Cigala tells me that the 2018 vintage was similar to 2016 save for a sudden acceleration of ripeness that took off in mid-September with some late season heat. He says that everyone expected a late harvest, but picking times ultimately came earlier than forecasted. The estate suffered hail on July 13, 2019, that damaged the leaf canopies of the vines and resulted in reduced yields after careful fruit selections in the vineyards. This property enjoys a unique position in the southernmost part of Chianti Classico, where cool soils and sharp diurnal shifts add to the brightness of the wines."