Aromatic, this red features tomato leaf, juniper and lavender notes that complement the cherry, blackberry, iron and earth flavors. Firms up nicely, leaving a lingering impression of fruit, savory notes and minerality. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2042. 29,150 cases made, 9,000 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add

The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is packed tight with ripe fruit flavors and sunshine-driven aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry confit. Indeed, the wine is too ripe for my tastes, with a taste profile that stops just short of jammy and sweet. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by tar, smoke and cured leather. I am suggesting a near-term drinking window as a result.

The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva bursts from the glass with an exciting melange of dark red cherries, licorice, tobacco, incense and tar, all of which add considerable complexity in this super-ripe, intense fruit. This is a decidedly big, rich wine decked out with tons of opulence and plenty of style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. This is a solid set of wines from Rocca delle Macie, an estate that has been inconsistent over the last few years. The arrival of consulting oenologist Lorenzo Landi is another positive sign that Rocca delle Macie is serious about improving quality. I am very curious to see where things go from here. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva shows good persistence in a forward, jammy style with good intensity but limited overall complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642