2008 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy 750ml

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva is gorgeous, especially for a vintage that was not easy. Black cherries, mint, licorice and tobacco are supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, both of which should allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. The 2008 could still use another year or two to soften, but it is gorgeous, even today.