After sampling this 18 months ago, I decided to let my six pack rest because the taste profile of this offering was tight and closed, and the tannins were formidable. Well, I couldn't be happier. This represents the best Chianti Classico Riserva I've ever tasted. Sneak this into a blind tasting of '97 Brunello, and no one will know the difference.

On the nose, wonderful aromas of sweet tannins and concentrated berry. Highly extracted and complete from start to finish, the palate rewards with lots of dark fruit, a touch of mineral and velvety, rounded tannins. Lovely stuff at this stage, but poised to improve further for at least the near term. Not cheap ($35 release price), but worth it. 94 pts.