A much darker crimson color, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is more forward with its oak profile at this youthful stage, with notes of toasted cedar, black licorice, black cherry, and woodsy forest herbs. Full-bodied, this profile continues to the palate with ripe tannins and good underlying freshness, its oak still hovering a bit on the finish as well. I imagine the oak will integrate to a certain extent, and the wine is likely to show its best in another couple of years. Drink 2025-2037.

The stony, metallic nose is all graphite, pencil shavings, pennies and topsoil with subtle fruit aromas of cherry skin and orange peel scorched quickly to release its essential oil. Juicier cherries on the palate are still traced by graphite and crushed soil, held together with tightly wound tannins.

Smoky blackberry, rosemary and tar flavors predominate in this burly red, with dense, assertive tannins. This could use a little more generosity midpalate to buffer the tannins, yet persists on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2037. 16,000 cases made, 7,200 cases imported.

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva offers up dark fruit, mocha, leather, licorice and spice, all in a hearty, full-bodied style. Rustic, potent contours wrap it all together.