The 2004 Chianti Classico Riserva is naturally a larger-scaled wine with attractive notes of earthiness, leather, dark fruit, smoke, tobacco and wild herbs.Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. For some reason Castellare seems to fly beneath most people’s radar screens, but the wines are often outstanding, particularly in the case of the estate’s top wine, I Sodi di San Niccol?, a 100% Sangioveto (Sangiovese) which in top vintages is capable of two decades of aging. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Soft and round, with some nice plum, cherry and mineral character. Medium- to full-bodied, with a slightly subdued and short finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,500 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add