The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala is made from the estate’s best Sangiovese. It possesses gorgeous mid-palate juiciness and lovely overall harmony in a softer, slightly more approachable style than the Riserva. Sweet red cherries, spices, flowers and French oak are some of the notes that wrap around the sweet, polished finish. The Coltassala is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo that spent 18 months in new French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2023. Volpaia is one of those estates that can only exist in Tuscany. This medieval hamlet is worth a visit from a cultural and historical perspective alone. The wines can be excellent but are also inconsistent. In recent years, the Stianti family has expanded their production with holdings in Maremma. Those wines are still clearly works in progress. Call me a purist, but I would rather see them focus on making the wines from Volpaia great first. The potential is clearly there, it just needs to be realized. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661