Castello di Bossi’s 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo lives up to the celebrated reputation of this historic wine. That extra intensity and structure really comes through, giving it a firm anchor in the mouth. A sweet note of black cherry adds the proverbial high note before the wine slowly tapers out in the mouth. Wait a few more years for optimal drinkability. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. In my estimation, Marco Bacci’s Castello di Bossi delivers one of the absolute best interpretations of Chianti Classico from the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone. Temperatures are a few degrees warmer here on average and soils are slightly richer and redder. These conditions favor dark and powerful wines. The challenge is maintaining balance and freshness – things regularly achieved in Marco Bacci’s wines. Importer: Winebow Inc.; www.winebow.com