1 | Wine | Sangiovese, $10 to $20, 86 or higher

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is striking. Succulent dark cherries, flowers, mint and licorice burst from the glass in this exuberant, sexy Riserva. The tannins are nearly buried by the opulent fruit, but the wine retains great balance, while avoiding any sense of heaviness. The 2009 captures the heat and richness of the year while never abandoning its classic sense of structure. This is a superb wine from Monsanto with plenty of upside potential. Sweet floral notes add an elegant, feminine touch to the finish."

"Bright, full ruby. High-toned aromas of red berries, violet and wild herbs. Dense and sweet but also juicy, with a creamy, fine-grained texture to the complex flavors of red and black fruits and exotic dried herbs. Nicely energetic Chianti, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length."

"The 2010 Chianti Classico is beautiful, pointed and articulate. Sweet red berries, anise, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from this gorgeous Chianti. The freshness and vibrancy are pure 2010."

"Aromas of dark berries and cherries, with hints of spices. Full body, with velvety tannins and lots of plums and chocolate character. Lovely soft texture."

"Dark cherries, plums, flowers and spices literally jump out of the glass in this vinous, bright red. The 2010 Rosso is a great, budget-priced wine from Giacomo Neri."

"Altesino’s 2010 Rosso di Altesino bursts from the glass with sweet red berries, flowers, mint and licorice. In 2010 the Rosso has a little more richness than usual, which is quite welcome in this entry-level offering. The 2010 is hugely delicious now, and should be enjoyed over the next few years while the fruit retains its youthful exuberance."

"The 2010 Chianti Classico is juicy, fleshy and delicious. Succulent red cherries, licorice, tobacco and leather are some of the notes that flow from this rich, deep Chianti Classico. This is a terrific effort from Rocca delle Macie, and a great value as well."

"The 2010 Sangiovese shows the darker side of the grape in its intense fruit. This is a fairly bold, concentrated Sangiovese, but all of the elements come together nicely in the glass. It is a great value."

"Fragrantly sweet, floral aromas of red berries and sweet spices. Fresh and clean in the mouth, with mouthwatering, mineral-driven red fruit flavors. The youthfully chewy tannins are perhaps a tad drying, but this is nonetheless one of the better young Barco Reales I've tried. Another year in the bottle may help it develop more flesh and volume."