The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa is a big wine. The inclusion of 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon give the Monna Lisa a slightly modern feel, but without robbing the wine of its essential Sangiovese driven personality. Firm tannins support a finish laced with ripe red fruit, tobacco, grilled herbs and licorice. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa opens with good up front juiciness and brightness but then loses a bit of persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Nevertheless, it is an attractive wine that is best enjoyed sooner rather than later in this vintage. A delicate, feminine finish rounds things out nicely. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Judging by these wines Vignamaggio seems to have had a challenging time of it in 2008, which is quite understandable. The estate’s 2008s are solid efforts in a tough vintage. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa is one of the more distinctive Chiantis in this vintage. Made in a super-ripe, opulent style, the Monna Lisa reveals superb textural richness buttressed by fine, silky tannins on a medium-bodied, elegant frame. The wine remains exquisitely youthful, with little in the way of tertiary development. Readers who prefer a more overt, fruit-driven style of Chianti will love the Monna Lisa. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa is a big, dramatic wine bursting with sweet black cherries, licorice, menthol and sweet scents of French oak. This is a fairly rich, structured style of Chianti. As good as the Monna Lisa is, I had a slight preference for some of the lesser-oaked wines, as the wood tannins add a touch of astringency. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725