The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole is a very beautiful wine, but I sense the estate hasn’t quite gotten the most out of this bottling yet. Juicy red berries, flowers, spices and French oak all come together quite nicely, but the oak seems a bit intrusive. Over time the oak flavors are likely to recede but the hard, slightly dry tannins probably will always remain. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
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