The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Fizzano is loaded tight with bold fruit intensity and lingering sweet spice. On top of the more banal oak and fruit-related aromas that you’d normally expect from a Gran Selezione, you also get territorial glimpses of porcino mushroom, red currant and grilled herb. The oak flavors still need time to integrate.

The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva di Fizzano also sees small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at the back of bright Sangiovese. This expression delivers extra weight and concentration with savory notes of dark spice, tobacco, wet earth, pressed violets and forest berry. Oak renderings add to the wine’s powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Importer: Palm Bay International; www.palmbay.com

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva di Fizzano boasts significant depth and sheer power. Black cherries, licorice, leather and mint are some of the notes that emerge from this intense Riserva. The French oak is quite prominent and is felt in the wine’s tannins and heft. The Fizzano is a bit rough around the edges, but still a solid effort for the year. Smoke, leather, licorice and a host of other dark aromas and flavors wrap around the muscular finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 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 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva di Fizzano is another big, powerful wine from Rocca delle Macie. Dark cherries, raspberry preserves, spices, menthol and leather are some of the notes that flow from this intense Chianti. The Fizzano reveals good inner perfume and fine overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642