The dark ruby-colored 1998 Chianti Classico Riserva Lucarello (aged 24 months in French oak) is an impressive, stylish, but restrained offering. It exhibits aromas of sweet jammy cherries intertwined with licorice, herbs, tobacco, and earth. Medium-bodied, with excellent texture, fine ripeness as well as lushness (atypical for the austerely-styled 1998 Chiantis), it will drink well for 5-7 years.
Importer: Neil Empson, Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900