Shows fine purity to the cherry flavors, along with spice, mineral and earth hints. Focused and fresh, with a solid structure and a lingering finish. Delivers fine harmony and length. Drink now through 2020. 5,000 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add

Starts out supple before the grainy tannins kick in, setting the stage for cherry, currant and spice flavors. A bit pinched in the end. Best from 2015 through 2020. 5,000 cases made, 325 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add

The 2010 Chianti Classico Gherardino emerges from the glass with dark red cherries, plums, smoke, tobacco and incense. There is plenty of Greve character here, but mixed in with slightly exotic aromas and flavors that make the wine attractive and distinctive. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

The estate’s 2009 Chianti Classico Gherardino is a touch fleshier than the straight Chianti. It shows excellent depth and plumpness in its dark fruit, with spice and floral notes that wrap around the finish. I especially like the mid-palate pliancy in the Gherardino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. Judging by these wines Vignamaggio seems to have had a challenging time of it in 2008, which is quite understandable. The estate’s 2008s are solid efforts in a tough vintage. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

The 2008 Chianti Classico Gherardino is a riper, richer style of Chianti than the Terre di Prenzano, with a gorgeous, expansive core of floral red berries that flows through to an inviting, beautiful finish. The Gherardino could use another year for the tannins to soften, but here, too, I am struck by the pedigree of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725