The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Nozzole is a big, dark wine bursting with dark cherries, licorice, tobacco, smoke and dried flowers. This hearty, full-bodied Riserva is long on personality and sheer character. There isn’t a ton of subtlety, but readers looking for a hearty, robust Chianti will find much to like. As good as this is today, the wine could use another few years to shed some of its baby fat. This is a terrific showing from Nozzole. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Nozzole is a dark wine loaded with super-ripe fruit, smoke, mocha, tar and licorice. This is a pretty extroverted, flashy style for the year, but it works. The tannins are firm, yet beautifully integrated, especially on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva comes across as beautifully opulent and soft in its dark fruit, leather, licorice and spices. This voluptuous dark Chianti captures the essence of the important Tuscan vintage in its depth and long, caressing finish. Mint and flowers add higher-toned notes on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756