1 | Wine | Sangiovese, 86 or higher, 2008

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva is gorgeous, especially for a vintage that was not easy. Black cherries, mint, licorice and tobacco are supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, both of which should allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. The 2008 could still use another year or two to soften, but it is gorgeous, even today."

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva shows good persistence in a forward, jammy style with good intensity but limited overall complexity"

"Needs aeration to reveal the rich blackberry and black cherry flavors locked within this muscular red, which is firm and bright, with a mineral finish."

"The estate’s 2008 Il Nero di Casanova (Sangiovese) presents an intriguing profile of dark cherries, leather, licorice and tobacco, all of which come together in a medium-bodied, relatively delicate frame that is typical of Sangiovese. The Nero shows lovely inner sweetness and perfume through to the long finish."

"The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is beautiful in this vintage. It shows gorgeous mid-palate depth and pliancy, with wonderful richness in its sweet dark fruit, smoke, licorice and grilled herbs. The 10% Cabernet Sauvignon works particularly well in this vintage, as it seems to give the wine a measure of depth and delineation that is less obvious in the Flaccianello. Higher toned floral notes add lift on the finish. The Vigna del Sorbo is a touch restrained in 2008, as are most wines, yet it shows fabulous balance and tons of personality."

"This fresh red also has a chewy edge in texture, with some earth and tar notes that accent the cherry and strawberry flavors. A tobacco note emerges on the dense, tannic finish."