While it may appear expensive, the sensational 1999 Chianti Classico Riserva Sorbo (a barrique-aged blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a top-flight effort. The color is a deep ruby/purple. The nose offers up gorgeously sweet, expansive aromas of melted licorice, black cherries, currants, underbrush, and a hint of camphor. Dense, chewy, full-bodied, and fabulously pure, with a multilayered, textured mid-palate as well as a long, savory, well-delineated, moderately tannic finish, this is a compelling Chianti to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. Importer: Dominic Nocerino, Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907

While it may appear expensive, the sensational 1999 Chianti Classico Riserva Sorbo (a barrique-aged blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a top-flight effort. The color is a deep ruby/purple. The nose offers up gorgeously sweet, expansive aromas of melted licorice, black cherries, currants, underbrush, and a hint of camphor. Dense, chewy, full-bodied, and fabulously pure, with a multilayered, textured mid-palate as well as a long, savory, well-delineated, moderately tannic finish, this is a compelling Chianti to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. Importer: Dominic Nocerino, Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907