The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Nozzole is a big, dark wine bursting with dark cherries, licorice, tobacco, smoke and dried flowers. This hearty, full-bodied Riserva is long on personality and sheer character. There isn’t a ton of subtlety, but readers looking for a hearty, robust Chianti will find much to like. As good as this is today, the wine could use another few years to shed some of its baby fat. This is a terrific showing from Nozzole. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

Herbal notes accent the cherry and plum fruit in this rich red. A dense carpet of tannins tips the balance toward the dry. Best from 2014 through 2020.??–BS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add