The 2000 Fontalloro, as always, represents the estate’s best Sangiovese, from a vineyard which is partly inside and partly outside the appellation limits. A dark, deep ruby/garnet, its powerful nose of kirsch and plums is given additional complexity by the aromas of tobacco, damp earth, and underbrush which always characterize this wine. Rich in extract, firm and sustained in flavor, its tannins are more approachable than those of the two Riserva bottlings, but it will doubtlessly last longer as well, till the middle of the next decade if not longer. Felsina has been making some of the best wine in Chianti Classico for over three decades (both 1970 and 1971 were most impressive here), so it is no surprise that 2000 was a successful vintage for the estate. But not without a struggle, as the vineyards are in the warm southern part of the appellation and the August heat wave undoubtedly led to some significant vine stress. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907