Lots of ripe fruit with plum, berry, chocolate and walnut character. Such pretty, creamy tannins. It’s full-bodied and intense with gorgeous fruit and a flavorful finish. Very serious and finely crafted. Che bello!

Ripe cherry, strawberry and currant flavors are shaded by juniper, eucalyptus, black tea and mineral notes in this intense, balanced red, which is vibrant, firm and well-defined, with its fruit and mineral notes extending on the long aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045. 1,500 cases made, 200 cases imported.

First produced in 1962, Il Poggio is an iconic Chianti Classico that stands the test of time. The Bianchi family puts aside 2,000 bottles each vintage in its extensive underground tunnel for release at least 10 years later. Still nascent, the 2015 slowly divulges stunning aromas of cherry blossom, blood orange, eucalyptus, and raspberry. It starts out tight and linear then unravels expanding across the palate with ripe woodland berries underscored by slate. Chalky tannins maintain a firm grip throughout. This will continue to deliver its complex nuances for at least a couple of decades. (MM)

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Poggio is 95% Sangiovese and the rest Colorino and Canaiolo. A subtle and attractive perfume floats from the glass with candied rose petal, wild raspberry, and sweet herbs. The palate is surprisingly more expressive and explosive, offering notes of ripe cherry, wild herbs, orange peel, and dusty earth. It has a warming feel and still has structure, with good depth and concentration, ripe and present tannins, and wonderful energy. This is another one to cellar and drink 2025-2040.

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a medium-bodied wine that is going to need a few years for the tannins to soften. In this tasting, the 2018 comes across as a Poggio with compelling aromatic presence but perhaps a bit less textural breadth than the very best years. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth linger on the savory finish. Another few years in bottle should do the trick. The understated side of Il Poggio comes through beautifully.

The Castello di Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio is a blend of 95% Sangiovese with smaller parts Canaiolo and Colorino aged in oak for 18 months. The Vigna Il Poggio measures 5.2 hectares and sees a mix of local soils, including pietraforte (a type of hardened sandstone that tends to make structural wines of depth). The wine opens to dark fruit aromas, light spice, grilled herb and integrated tannins, and it closes with tart fruit and nice freshness. This is an 18,000-bottle release.