It is with some urgency that I put together this week’s offer. It only happens on very rare occasions that a wine that is on Wine Spectator’s top 100 list is actually available in quantity for sale. Yes, there are times that we are allocated a few cases of wines from this hollowed list, and they sell very quickly. After all, it’s not like we can turn on a faucet and produce highly sought-after wines. These agricultural products have shelf lives and limited supply, making them somewhat hard to get, no matter how much we hold our breath and stamp our feet. So when a bottle of wine like the San Felice Chianti Classico 2020 comes to us that blows our minds with how good it is, imagine our surprise when asked how many cases we would like. The rub was they would run out quickly, and it was a one-time offer. We bought as much as our budget would allow, and if this offer is as hot as I think, I might be able to get another order in by the end of the week, Bacchus willing.

Those who love Chianti love San Felice wines which are steeped in history and local lore. The original owners produced wine for three centuries and were among the founding members of the Chianti Consortium in the 18^th century. Family control of the estate was passed in 1968 to Enzo Morganti. We must remember that Chianti Classico in the 1960s hadn’t changed a whole lot for centuries. Land management and agricultural activities were based on the sharecropping system, and, as far as wine was concerned, the focus was on quantity, not quality. In short, Chianti in the 60s was known for their straw bottles used as candle holders. That was the situation Enzo Morgante inherited. Decades of researching and experimenting with Sangiovese clones led to the restructuring and transformation of this venerable estate, concentrating on high-quality winemaking, systematic scientific research, and thoughtful vineyard purchases. Slowly but surely, he began replanting the vineyards with quality clones and managed to turn it into its present national viticultural treasure. Today the property includes a 1,853-acre resort, 445 acres of vineyards, 15,000 olive trees, and a 44-acre parcel dedicated to experimental viticulture and genetic improvement of Sangiovese. No wonder San Felice is synonymous in many minds as the best in Tuscany with properties in Chianti, Montalcino, and Bolgheri. Since the late ‘70s, it has been owned by the well-financed Allianz S.p.A Group who have continued this commitment to scientific research and quality wines.

The San Felice vineyards are situated amongst the gently rolling hills of the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico. The vines are planted in two different soil types: calcareous clay and a combination of sand and lime, allowing Sangiovese vines to grow slowly and steadily, producing unusually complete and balanced grapes. Like Enzo, winemaker Leonardo Bellacini has spent his career working with Sangiovese and carries on the legacy of tradition, research, and experimentation.

A mild winter of 2020 made for the very early bud-breaking end of March. The spring was excellent, with a good amount of rain and several sunny days. The summer was warm but without many heat waves. The fruit reached a perfect ripening. 8–10 days of fermentation on the skins at 28–30° C, followed by malolactic fermentation in steel. Maturation in large Slavonian oak casks for 10–12 months, followed by 2 months in bottle.

#24 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

Produced entirely from native grapes, it is a typical, medium-bodied Chianti Classico with a distinguished personality and notable for its elegance and pleasantness. Luminous ruby red. Scents of cherry, raspberry, and sweet violets. Dry on the palate, showing subtle tannins and fresh, crisp acidity.

This supple red shows a core of cherry and plum fruit allied to olive, juniper, and tobacco notes. Delivers well-integrated tannins and acidic structure, lingering nicely on the finish. Sangiovese, Colorino and Pugnitello. Drink now. Wine Spectator 92 pts

Refined and pure, the 2020 Chianti Classico packs in beautiful concentration within its medium frame. Elegantly perfumed with red cherry liqueur, cinnamon, and pressed flowers, it is long with supple red berries, soft edges, and polished tannins, and it remains refreshing. It is drinking wonderfully now and offers a tremendous value. Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts

A medium-to full-bodied Chianti Classico with fresh strawberries, grapefruit, raspberries, and a herbal undertone. This is juicy and transparent with a tight, tannic structure. Not austere, though. James Suckling 91 pts

San Felice Chianti Classico 2020

It didn’t take much arm bending to find some wine geeks to taste this wine. A long-time house favorite, coupled with the notoriety of being awarded Wine Spectators #24 in their Top 100 list, makes for an easy sell for our staff. Aromas of freshly cut wood with dark berries. On the palate, there is depth and clarity of fruit; strawberry and black cherry are balanced by acidity and fine tannins, making the fruit very clean that finish dry with an olive tapenade quality. Some picked up a walnut and pistachio component with a long clean tart cherry finish. This is a Tuscan wine lover’s dream come true. A great Chianti that you will never get tired of. Although we committed to a lot of this wine to get the price, it is safe to say we will not be able to offer this price again on such an award-winning wine. Don’t sleep on this one.

Regular Price: $19.99

*Sale Price is on 6 bottle purchase

Wine is packed in a 12-bottle case

*Wine pricing for these wine promotions are held for two weeks after the email offer.

We can hold wines in unpaid reserves for two weeks to allow you time to pick up your wine. If it takes you longer than that to pick up your wines, give us a call, and we can process your wine and move it to paid reserves.

Place your order now with the store contacts above, while you've got all the information at your fingertips.

Cheers!

John Hannum,

Fine & Rare Wine Specialist

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