Tasting Notes: Black currant, with dried herbs, flowers and a hint of fresh licorice. Medium-bodied, with a clean core of black fruit. Mineral-coated tannins and a lightly firm finish. Chosen by the Chianti Consortium as the best of the vintage.

This has a gorgeous, warm nose that desperately wants to embrace you: red cherries, raspberry, woodland and a touch of cedar. Superb delineation. The palate has a subtle, smooth sensuous entry with fine tannins, smooth texture with notes of maraschino cherries, redcurrants with a touch of soy. Good tension on length, this is a top-quality Chianti from a top-notch producer. Tasted April 2008. Tanzers Josh Reynolds.