The 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva is an intense, weighty wine loaded with black cherries, minerals, violets and grilled herbs. The wine reveals good length and balance in a medium to full-bodied style that will require some patience for the tannins to soften a bit. The finish and overall balance are those of a first-class wine. This is a delicious Chianti that should offer very fine drinking over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Proprietor Alessandro Francois fashions stylish wines of notable character from his holdings in Greve. His top wines are all single-vineyard selections that offer tons of personality and class.Importer (all wines except Cignale): Prestige Wine Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 229-0080. Importer (Cignale only): Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Concentrated and rich, this is a bold and meaty wine with thick layers of blackberry pie, dried currants and smoked ham. Its density and intensity make it almost too much of a good thing and the wine closes with loads of dark spice and smoke.——M.L.(6/1/2009)—— 89