1 | Wine | Sangiovese, $20 to $50, 86 or higher

"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."

"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."

"Dark red berries, spices and crushed flowers are layered into the finish. There is plenty of volume but not a lot of structure. The 2007 Brunello was made from three separate parcels with different altitudes and exposures. Malolactic fermentation was done in steel and the wine was aged in a combination of casks and neutral small French oak barrels."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous. Mid-weight and translucent, it flows with the essence of freshly cut flowers, mint, spices and sweet berries. The warmth of the vintage has filled out the wine’s frame nicely, yet this remains a firm, classically built wine with considerable appeal. It is another striking wine from Le Potazzine."

"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."

"If you like the vanilla, toast and spice notes of new oak, this red is for you. Behind the wood, notes of black cherry, tar and tobacco mingle. This is dense and tannic, with a long spicy finish."