2018 San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico

San Giusto a Rentennano, originally a monastery fortified in 1204 by the Florentines as their boundary with Siena, today uses the underground vaults built as part of the fortification as their cellars. For centuries it was owned by the Ricasoli family of neighbouring Brolio, passing to the Martini di Cigala family in 1957. This beautiful 160 hectare estate, with 30 of vineyards, is run by brothers and sister team of Francesco, Luca and Elisabetta. The vineyards enjoy exceptional exposure with considerable day and night temperature differences and the terrain is composed of various soils rich in minerals. San Giusto’s wines are renowned for their elegance, balancing rich fruit and beautiful aromatics with superb freshness.

Other Reviews....
The 2018 Chianti Classico is a textbook expression from the appellation. This Sangiovese-based wine shows latitude and depth with elegant aromas of wild berry, forest floor, dried blueberry, honey, lavender and rosemary essence. There are hints of chalk or crushed limestone that recall the unique soils of the Gaiole in Chianti growing region. The tannins are elegantly integrated, and the wine offers enough natural freshness to pair with a hearty pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale.
93 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Sept 2020)

The 2018 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and incredibly refined. In this vintage, the Chianti Classico is a bit more restrained than it can be. Bright red cherry, red plum, mint, cedar, tobacco, game licorice and rose petal all grace this very pretty, mid-weight Chianti Classico. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years, as it needs time to come together. Bright acids will help it age gracefully.
91 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Mid crimson. Raspberry fruit nose with real concentration and with minerally notes. Concentrated raspberry fruit. Expressive, long and with a fantastic layer of polished tannins.
17.5/20 points
Walter Speller - jancisrobinson.com