The 2010 Chianti Classico is drop-dead gorgeous. Juicy dark cherries, tobacco, licorice and spices are backed up by a gorgeous spine of tannin and the mouth-watering, salivating acidity of the vintage. From start to finish, the San Giusto’s 2010 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Readers who want to discover what Sangiovese is all about without splurging for one of Tuscany’s higher priced bottlings may want to start here. This is as textbook as it gets. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Italy’s leading estates. Brothers Luca and Francesco Martini di Cigala are quiet and unassuming. They prefer to let the wines speak for themselves, which they do with great eloquence. Readers might want to check out my complete vertical of San Giusto’s flagship Percarlo, also in Issue 201. From top to bottom, these remain some of the most reasonably priced wines in the world considering the pure quality of what goes into the bottle. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

Rich, exuding black cherry and plum flavors, this red is on the soft, accessible side, getting some lift from the light tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 3,750 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add