Intensely ripe layers of cherry and raspberry coulis peppered with notes of warm spice. Hints of tarragon and tobacco emerge with more time, the flavors buoyed by vibrant acidity that will keep the wine fresh in the cellar while those taut tannins soften.

Rich, palate-saturating dark-cherry flavors. The wine is densely concentrated yet never heavy, with a smooth texture punctuated by warm spice notes

Dense and firmly structured, this red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, mineral, spice, tar and tobacco flavors. Balanced, with refined tannins and lively acidity…Fine length shows the potential.

This is a delightfully open and accessible value red that could pair with a simple chicken dinner. From an organic farm, the Volpaia 2018 Chianti Classico is a smooth, silky and fruit-driven expression that delivers on the basic promises of elegance and freshness that are associated specifically with Sangiovese from Radda in Chianti.

A real beauty, the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala (made with organic fruit) shows medium-rich textural fiber with plenty of dark fruit, cherry, spice and leather. The important thing to mention here is how light and elegantly fragrant this wine remains despite the considerable heat and dryness of the growing season. In fact, all those fruit tones emerge with terrific purity and focus, backed by acidity and integrated structure, that invite an evening-long sampling with some medium-aged pecorino.

If you have a platter of fatty porchetta and are looking for a worthy Tuscan wine for that party, look no further. Packaged in a black label, the Volpaia 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia (made with organic fruit) does a great job of showing purity and freshness in what was a challenging vintage for sure. This Riserva reveals delineated tones of cherry and dark berry with crushed limestone, blue flowers and some of the wild herbs and bramble that I often recognize in wines from this corner of Tuscany. I happily recommend it to all Sangiovese enthusiasts.

The Volpaia 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casanova Il Puro is profound, mature and ready to drink. It is made with organic fruit and packaged with lengths of twine that are affixed to the front of the bottle with an elegant red wax seal. From a classic vintage, this wine opens to evolved and spicy aromas of dried fruit, prune, leather and dark licorice root. The presentation is more oxidative that I would expect for a 2016, but yet the wine is open and ready to drink.

To date, the 2016 is the finest Coltassala – first released in 1980. Now classified as a single-vineyard Gran Selezione rather than an IGT ‘SuperTuscan’, Coltassala emphasises the freshness found at Castello di Volpaia due to the extra-high altitude. A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo, this classy Chianti Classico spends 24 months in new oak, with six months in bottle before release. The dark fruits, slight herbal edge and generous tannins make this a great partner for wild boar ragù.

Made with organically farmed Sangiovese, this has aromas of underbrush, French oak and dark-skinned fruit. Reflecting the nose, the firm, elegant palate offers coconut, vanilla, French oak and savory Mediterranean herb set against firm, close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish.

Enticing aromas of black cherry, black currant and violet are allied to flavors of iron, wet earth and spice in this red, which is loaded with fruit, vibrant acidity and well-mannered tannins. Shows terrific harmony now, yet possesses the structure to age. The long, mouthwatering finish extends the dark fruit and mineral elements. Best from 2021 through 2040.

Aromas of exotic spice, dried aromatic herb, camphor and wood shop shape the nose. The austere palate shows dried cherry, prune and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that clench the lean finish. Give it a few more years so the tannins can unwind then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.

Aromas of blue flower, spiced plum, new leather and sunbaked earth form the inviting nose on this pure Sangiovese. Made with organically farmed grapes, the smooth, savory palate doles out fleshy black cherry, baking spice and chopped mint alongside velvety tannins that give it a polished texture. Drink through 2025.

Made with organic grapes, this has vinous aromas of freshly pressed grapes that mingle with whiffs of wild berry, moist earth and violet. It's bright and savory, offering Marasca cherry, blood orange and rusty nail alongside lithe tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink through 2025.

The 2018 Chianti Classico is a gorgeous, mid-weight wine that captures the essence of the estate's high-altitude vineyards. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, licorice, mint, pine and cedar are some of the many aromas and flavors that are woven throughout. The 2018 is gracious, inviting and impeccable in its balance.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is an immensely rewarding, inviting wine. Juicy and racy, with no hard edges, the Riserva captures the allure of this warm, dry year. There is plenty to like in the 2017, starting with its depth and volume, I won't be surprised if the Riserva turns out to be even better than this note suggests. Sweet red fruit, cedar and blood orange give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity and lift.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is striking. Rich and ample, with tremendous depth, the 2017 shows all of the mystique that makes Sangiovese so alluring. Sweet dark cherry, dark plum, leather, licorice, menthol and tobacco build as the 2017 shows off its breadth and personality. The Coltassala has a bit more volume and oak influence than the other Volpaia wines, but it's an approach that works so well here.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casanova Il Puro is a wine for the cellar. Bright acids and beams of tannin shape this powerful, classically austere Gran Selezione from Volpaia. Lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and cloves start to emerge with some coaxing, but the 2016 is very clearly not ready to show all its cards just yet. Even so, this is a fine edition of the Puro. I hope to taste it again in another decade or so.

Transparent and linear with currant and cherry aromas and flavors. It’s beautifully fine and bright with crushed cherries and berries and hints of strawberries. Pine needles and fresh herbs, too. Very silky tannins and a palate that shows poise and polish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

A rich, layered red that shows the strength of the vintage, offering blackberry, black-olive and stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, chewy and pretty. From organically grown grapes. Approachable now, but better in 2022.

A red with plenty of ripe fruit, such as berries and cherries with some fresh-herb and lemon undertones. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright fruit and fine tannins. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.