1 | Wine | Sangiovese, $20 to $50

"The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a fleshy, radiant wine graced with expressive dark red fruit. This is a fairly plush style for this bottling, no doubt owing to the personality of the vintage...Tobacco, sweet herbs, licorice and dark red cherries leave a very positive, lasting impression."

"Riserva Ducale Oro 2007 is ruby red in color, with garnet hues. The wine shows the distinctive Tuscan bouquet of a great Chianti Classico Riserva with notes of violet, cherry and plum which fades into aromas of chocolate and spice. On the palate, the wine has well-defined structure and a generous, fruity core accented by hints of chocolate, cinnamon and spicy hints of black pepper. Full-bodied and well-balanced with powerful fruity notes, Riserva Ducale Oro’s round yet impressive tannins support a good acidity and lead into a lengthy finish featuring notes of plum, clove and sweet tobacco."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is compelling from the very first taste. It boasts fabulous concentration and depth, with just enough tannin and aromatic complexity to balance some of the wine’s more overt leanings. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice, mint and spices are layered into the big, dramatic finish. Hints of kirsch and rose petals linger in the empty glass. The 2007 is distinguished by an open, Pinot-like bouquet and a voluptuous personality."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva boasts considerable richness in its powerful, dense fruit. Over the last few years the estate has eliminated new oak barrels, and what comes through most in the 2009 is a generous, pliant personality that is quite appealing. Super ripe red cherries burst from the expressive finish."

"The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows plenty of depth in its dark fruit, leather, anise, incense and tobacco. This is a fairly rich style of Vino Nobile, and while there are some rough edges, the 2009 will drink well if paired with similarly hearty dishes."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a big, full-bodied wine redolent of black cherries, game, licorice, tar and smoke. Floral notes develop in the glass, adding lift and polish to the deep, concentrated fruit."

"The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino shows the muscle and depth of Castelnuovo in its richness and power. Layers of dark red fruit wrap around the palate in this plush, inviting Rosso."