This producer benefits from the outstanding consulting work of Franco Bernabei. However, this wine is muscular, tannic, and not for readers seeking a Chianti made in an accessible, easy to understand style. It is surprisingly earthy, with notes of walnuts, old wood, leather, and black cherries. While the 1997 Chianti Classico Le Masse di Greve (a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals good density, it is atypically tannic, backward, and closed. It should last for a decade. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900