1988 Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale

This spicy, earthy, robust Chianti reveals a mushroomy note in its otherwise attractive bouquet. The mushroom character blows off with airing, to be followed by rich, medium to full-bodied, chewy, cherry and leathery flavors, good spice, plenty of alcohol, and a soft yet firm finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Readers should not confuse the Tan Label Riserva Ducale with the more expensive and more ambitiously-styled and concentrated Riserva Ducale Gold Label. (See issue #94 for a vertical tasting of the Gold Label.) Importer: Schieffelin & Somerset Co., New York, NY.