A certified organic wine, the 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva submits a classic playlist of aromas with dark cherry fruit, plum, potting soils and light tobacco. The wine sits firmly on the palate with good freshness and integrated tannins. There are earthy notes of crushed stone and flint on the close. Production is 15,000 bottles.

The Cafaggio 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva hits it out of the ballpark in terms of balance and overall intensity. This is a very pretty and classic Chianti Classico with a core of dark fruit and plum that is framed by light spice, tar and smoke. You get a healthy dose of Sangiovese freshness here and all the making of your quintessential pasta wine.

Measuring in with more heft and richness (in part thanks to the warm vintage and in part due to the longer aging period), the 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva delivers plush layers of soft ripe cherry. The style remains traditional and, generally speaking, more reigned in, but you get more fat on these bones. The wine's intensity is carefully considered and never overdone. This is a good time to try Siena's famous pasta dish, pici and blood sausage (pici al buristo). Some 50,000 bottles were made.

The 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva (100% Sangiovese) is tonic and fresh with a simple and rather streamlined approach. This is a pretty wine with an informal side and a leaner mouthfeel that is characteristic of this difficult and rain-soaked vintage. Despite its Riserva classification, this wine is milder, subtler and more suited to near-term consumption compared to past editions.

Boasting harmony and balance, the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva offers a lingering spot of sweet cherry that expands to spice, licorice and tar-like flavors. A pure expression of Sangiovese, the wine delivers bright acidity and a medium build. It should evolve smoothly over the next ten years.