The 2003 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico presents an intriguing combination of the classic Vin Santo aromas and flavors (almonds, orange peel, burnt sugar, crushed flowers) with an additional level of textural richness that is most likely the result of the torrid vintage. This is a beautiful, delineated wine from start to finish. The 2003 Vin Santo is 55% Malvasia, 25% Trebbiano and 20% Sangiovese that spent 7 years in small, traditional casks. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. Felsina is the house Giuseppe Mazzocolin built, to borrow a phrase from Babe Ruth and the original Yankee Stadium. Last year Mazzocolin decided to step back from his insane day to day schedule running the winery. While Mazzocolin remains intimately involved in the winery, the future leadership of Felsina is in the hands of Giovanni Poggiali, the oldest son of proprietor Giuseppe Poggiali.Various American importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Wine Warehouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Maverick Wine Company, Binseville, IL; tel. (630) 860-4600; Prestige Wine Cellar, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 823-9272; DeLuca Liquor & Wine Nevada Wine Agents, North Las Vegas, NV; tel. (702) 669-3916; Baroness Wine Distributors, Denver, CO; tel. (303)934-1300; Transatlantic/Southern Wine & Spirits, Miramar, FL; tel. (305) 625-4171; Bacchus Importers, Baltimore, MD; tel. (410) 633-0400

The 2001 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is a reference point wine that artfully balances a need for being contemporary while refusing to fall prey to the more modernist tendencies that favor sheer concentration above all else. The stunning bouquet alone is worth the price of admisssion. Dried figs, plums, prune, cinnamon, licorice and dried flowers are woven together in a fabric of unmistakable class. Slightly oxidative notes add complexity and inner sweetness, but this remains a restrained, mid-weight style of Vin Santo that in 2001 reaches an extraordinary level of finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. Felsina is a reference-point property for readers who want to discover the best Tuscany has to offer. Prices remain exceedingly fair considering the quality of what is in the bottle.Various American importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Wine Warehouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Maverick Wine Company, Binseville, IL; tel. (630) 860-4600; Prestige Wine Cellar, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 823-9272; DeLuca Liquor & Wine Nevada Wine Agents, North Las Vegas, NV; tel. (702) 669-3916; Baroness Wine Distributors, Denver, CO; tel. (303)934-1300; Transatlantic/Southern Wine & Spirits, Miramar, FL; tel. (305) 625-4171; Bacchus Importers, Baltimore, MD; tel. (410) 633-0400

Felsina’s 2000 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is a reference-point wine for the region. This rich Vin Santo flows onto the palate with coconut, spices, maple syrup and baking spices. The wine remains exquisitely balanced and deft, with a long, refined finish. For its Vin Santo, the estate uses the traditional Trebbiano and Malvasia, along with 20% Sangiovese, all of which is dried on mats until February of the following year when the fruit is vinified. The wine spent a total of seven years in 50 and 100 liter barrels. This is a Vin Santo of the highest level. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020. If you were to cut proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s veins the man would bleed Sangiovese, such is his passion for Tuscany’s most important native grape. Mazzocolin has a terrific set of new releases on his hands. The 2006s are glorious and benefit from a warm growing season that also saw good alternation of day and evening temperatures before the grapes got a final kick of heat that informs the wines. In 2007, I have only tasted the Chianti Classico so far, but if that wine is indicative, Felsina could have another superb vintage in store for fans of this venerable property. So far 2007 looks to be a vintage of ripe wines made in a more generous, if early maturing style, than the firmer 2006s. Not only are Felsina’s wines magnificent, they also remain exceedingly fairly priced in relative terms. Mazzocolin deserves much credit and support from readers for his consumer-friendly approach, especially in these challenging times.Various American importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Wine Warehouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Maverick Wine Company, Binseville, IL; tel. (630) 860-4600; Prestige Wine Cellar, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 823-9272; DeLuca Liquor & Wine Nevada Wine Agents, North Las Vegas, NV; tel. (702) 669-3916; Baroness Wine Distributors, Denver, CO; tel. (303)934-1300; Transatlantic/Southern Wine & Spirits, Miramar, FL; tel. (305) 625-4171; Bacchus Importers, Baltimore, MD; tel. (410) 633-0400