It was to be expected that as reliable an estate as Fontodi would offer excellent wines from the 2001 vintage, but the very satisfying quality of the 2002 Chianti Classico is perhaps more surprising considering the reputation of the vintage. Floral, spicy, and soft, the notes of chocolate and licorice on the finish give an additional and welcome complexity. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Good CC, with berry fruit and clean floral, mineral character. Medium-bodied, with light but firm tannins and a minerally finish. Very well-done in a difficult vintage. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. -JS