The 2011 Acciaiolo (the “steelworker”) is a blend of Sangioveto and Cabernet Sauvignon that offers ripe aromas of prune, dark plum and candied cherry. The finish is extra plush and chewy with deep layers of bright fruit and lingering spice. It’s ready to drink now or could age longer. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. A stunning example of Tuscan Renaissance architecture, Castello d’Albola is the showcase property of the Zonin family based in northern Italy. They own important (and high volume) vineyard sites across the Italian peninsula, but this property is where Gianni Zonin, his wife and three sons enjoy an intimate family connection. With some of the most historically important vineyards in the Chianti Classico denomination, Castello d’Albola represents the tip of the Zonin- quality pyramid. Although the wines perform well and are priced accordingly, I don’t believe we have seen the full potential of this glorious estate. Importer: Zonin USA; www.zoninusa.com

The 2000 Accaiolo, Sangiovese and Cabernet, was successful in this vintage, deep in color, ripe on the nose, full and round on the palate and with a supple structure.Castello di Albola is part of the giant Zonin group, but the vineyards are in a historically important part of Chianti Classico, high above Radda in Chianti, and the skillful winemaking of Franco Giacosa, who directs operations at all of the Zonin vineyard properties, has lifted the quality of the wines in recent years. Drink: 2005-2012.Importer: Wine Wave, Jericho, NY; tel. (516) 433-1121

The 1993 Acciaiolo, a blend of 65% Sangioveto and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in small oak casks, is a well-made, dark ruby-colored wine with copious quantities of spicy new oak. An internationally-styled attractive wine, with new oak, black currant fruit, pain grille nuances, medium body, moderate tannin, and good purity, it needs 1-2 years of aging, and should keep for a decade.Importer: Chateau & Estate Wines Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7725