This estate more than held its own in the trying 2000 vintage, as the 2000 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo reveals. Darker in color than the regular Chianti Classico bottling, its smoky nose of berry and currant fruit and Mediterranean herbs is warm and penetrating, the flavors firm, well defined, and long, again with the bracing acidity which is something of the signature of these wines. Drink: 2005-2015. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Lush and extracted, with laser-beam intensity, smoke and all the black cherry and herbs you could ask for. Gorgeous blackberry, plum and cherry flavors announce total ripeness, while the tannins are present but integrated. Modern in style, with a barrique-based personality. ——W.E.(4/1/2005)—— 92