Our mini vertical started with the 1996 Chianti Rufina Riserva. This is the first vintage made by Lorenzo Mariani as he took over the family wine business at the young age of 22. Back in the late 1990s, the wine was made with Sangiovese, Malvasia and Canaiolo (from a single vineyard) according to the traditional blending formula used in Chianti Rufina. Starting with the 2006 vintage, the wine is 100% Sangiovese. This Riserva offers a very pleasant look back in time with soft tertiary notes of honey, licorice, anise seed, crushed mineral and button mushroom. The results are well integrated and silky.