1998 Castello di Farnetella “Lucilla,” Tuscany

Here’s another great bottle from the 1998 vintage in Tuscany. Castello di Farnetella’s Lucilla invites drinking with a gentle scent of crushed ripe berries and vanilla. That lingering taste of cherries is the Sangiovese in the blend--90%, in fact. The balance is satiny Merlot, which smooths out the more angular Sangiovese. Lucilla is produced and bottled by Felsina, a famous Chianti Classico estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga (north of Siena), from grapes grown at their Castello di Farnetella property in the Colli Senesi (Siennese hills).

Priced less than normal for Chianti Classicos from top Chianti estates, Lucilla is a ringer for a $40 SuperTuscan. A splendid bottle for the holidays.

About $17. Available at fine wine stores. If you have trouble finding this wine, have your retailer call the distributor, Vinifera Imports, (805) 546-1900.