The 1987 Percarlo (magnum) is gorgeous. Crushed red berries, flowers, spices and anise come to life as the wine literally hovers above the palate. The 1987 is weightless, pure and incredibly classy. This isn’t a blockbuster vintage as so many of the greats are, rather the 1987 is a wine that stands out for its superb sensuality and balance. I wouldn’t wait too much longer here, but the 1987 is undoubtedly beautiful today. Sweet floral notes add to an impression of freshness. This is a huge surprise from one of the weaker vintages of the 1980s. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.
This complete vertical of Percarlo left me speechless. Brothers Luca and Francesco Martini di Cigala showed me every vintage of Percarlo, back to the inaugural 1983, a wine that has now run its full course. I was deeply struck by the consistency of the wines from year to year, and even more importantly, by the great showing of a number of wines from long forgotten vintages, proving yet again the importance of choosing producer over vintage. Percarlo started off as a selection of the estate’s best vineyards. In 2001 the Cigalas sharpened their approach by focusing on what is now literally a bunch by bunch selection across all of the fruit that comes into the winery, an approach they favor because of the huge inconsistency Sangiovese can often show from vine to vine, and even within the same cluster. I also tasted a few vintages of the Chianti Classico Le Baroncole, the top Sangiovese bottling made in vintages not deemed suitable for Percarlo. Readers who want to learn more about San Giusto and Percarlo may want to take a look at my recent video interview with proprietor Luca Martini di Cigala.
San Giusto a Rentennano Percarlo Key Points:
1. 100% Sangiovese from the estate’s best vineyards in Gaiole
2. A powerful, intense expression of Sangiovese
3. Remarkably consistent, even in lesser years
4. Aging potential: 20+ years
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