Castell’in Villa’s 2007 Chianti Classico is an excellent choice for readers who want to explore the wines of this historic property without waiting the amount of time most of the estate’s wines typically require to show well. Succulent red cherries, leather and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this delicate, understated Chianti. The tightness and firmness that are hallmarks of the Castell’in Villa Chiantis when young are present, but to a far lesser degree than is normally the case. This is also a fairly restrained Chianti Classico for the year. This is a rare wine that combines pedigree, superb quality and fabulous value. I don’t expect it to be especially long-lived, but imagine there won’t be too many bottles lying around by the time that becomes an issue. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799