Pioneered by Giacomo Tachis in the late 1970s, this wine burst onto the international fine wine scene with dazzling effect. A single-vineyard wine from the Chianti Classico zone, it was among the first to include Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the blend, and barriques for ageing. As a consequence, it had to be labelled as Vino da Tavola It isn’t made in every vintage, so when it’s good, it’s very good. This 2006, from Spurrier's own cellar, is just such a wine, with unyielding colour right to the rim. The sweet nose has a singed tobacco note. On the palate it's full of sweet, juicy cassis and plum with a layer of cedar and earthy sous-bois. Dry, rich and elegantly full, the 2006 has grip, texture and volume in spades, followed by a gorgeously long finish. (JS)