Among the first red wines from the Chianti Classico area to be produced without white grapes, this lively blend of 80% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc (which was also the first wine of its type matured in French oak barriques for 22 months) has great grace, length and poise. Tasted from magnum, it's dark and dense on the palate, but still has a lively vitality, braced by sharp tannins – and still has significant years ahead in the cellar.

Last Tasted 7/92 This wine appears to have reached full maturity, where it should remain for another 7-10 years. The color is a healthy deep ruby/purple, and the nose offers up scents of roasted nuts, smoky oak, cassis, cedar, and leather. Medium to full-bodied, with lovely black fruit flavors wrapped gently in oak, this fleshy, supple, deliciously constituted wine is a treat to drink.

A deep brick core with tawny rim. The nose is similar to the last time I tasted this, kirsch, vine tomatoes, a touch of anis, prune and toffee. A little muffled with some noticeable warmth of alcohol that detracts from the definition. The palate is medium-bodied, overtly fleshy with a smooth texture. Lush and warm, a little frayed at the edges with a raisin-tinged, prune-flavoured finish. Not a profound Tignanello but still pleasurable for the short-term. Drink now-2010.Tasted November 2006.

Much the palest of the flight and already quite ruby. Sweet, simple nose. Still quite a bit of acidity and definitely dominated by the Sangiovese – nice wine! Great energy still and race. Fresh and refreshing. (JR)