The 2007 Chianti Classico La Pieve is a pleasant, mid-weight offering with attractive dark fruit, underbrush, licorice and smokiness good balance, all of which come through in a slightly rustic style. A little advance aeration will do La Pieve a world of good. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. This is an uncharacteristically mixed set of wines from Il Palazzino. The 2007 La Casina Girasole and 2007 Chianti Classico Argenina both revealed technical imperfections that precluded their being included in this report. The estate's higher-end wines fared better. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Lots of new wood, with a plum and berry undertone. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a vanilla aftertaste. Needs time to mellow. Best after 2010. 1,375 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add

The 2006 Chianti Classico La Pieve is an immensely rewarding wine. The profile tends towards a darker expression of black cherries intermingled with scents of tar, smoke, licorice and scorched earth, all of which come together in a plump, generous wine with plenty of stuffing. This beautiful Chianti Classico should continue to deliver much pleasure over the next decade or so. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Il Palazzino is a great source for pure-breed Chiantis of notable personality. The Grosso Sanese in particular is one of the most unique wines being made in Tuscany. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Easygoing, with cherry and hints of tobacco and mineral. Silky medium body, with a fresh, fruity palate. Slightly woody finish. Best after 2009. 850 cases made, 550 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add

The 2005 Chianti Classico La Pieve possesses greater depth and richness than the Argenina, with pretty notes of earthiness, smoke, tar, tobacco and licorice that emerge from its medium-bodied frame. Subtle notes of oak linger on the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. This is a lovely set of wines from the Sderci brothers. Although the wines clearly reflect the smaller-scaled nature of the 2005 vintage, they also show remarkable transparency. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411