This is a great Chianti Classico Riserva that offers everything you look for in a wine from Tuscany. There’s freshness and pristine cherry aromas along with spice, black mineral and fresh acidity on the close. The wine is approachable, soft and ultimately very food-friendly.——M.L.(6/1/2009)—— 90

San Leonino belongs to a larger group known as Tenimenti Angelini, owners of vineyards and cellars both in Montepulciano and in Montalcino. I keep waiting for a breakthrough into sustained higher quality in the wines, but for the moment a certain inconsistency reigns supreme. The 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva, nonetheless, is a worthy effort, crisp and refreshing in its red fruit and floral aromas, medium-bodied but clean, well sustained, and flavorful. With a bit more flesh and concentration, the score would move up a bit, but at this point the ball is in the court of the owners. Drink: now-2010.Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St.-Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Plenty of wood to the nose, leaving aromas of smoke, cedar, leather and lemon. That tangy, barrique-based lemon character lasts through the cherry-dominated palate and onto the juicy finish. With a bit less citrus and more harmony it would be right up there with the best.——W.E.(4/1/2005)—— 87