What a joy it is to taste the 2005 Chianti Classico Querciabella. A model of elegance, it presents a beautiful, lively color along with generous amounts of fruit on a supple frame, with superb length, fine tannins and stunning overall balance. This blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon spent 14 months in French oak, 30% new for the Sangiovese and 80% new for the other variety, prior to being assembled and bottled. It is a superb effort in this difficult vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Give it a few minutes to open and you will be rewarded with small berry aromas, bramble, forest floor, spice and fresh wood oak tones. The wine’s structure is elegant but solid with dusty tannins on the finish.——M.L.(11/1/2007)—— 87