The beautiful 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna la Casa has an articulate and full-bodied nature that has already lost most of the nervous austerity characteristic of the cooler 2008 vintage. Indeed, this wine bursts from the starting gate with dark fruit laced with dried tobacco, cured meat, savory spice and black licorice. There's a sweet note in the mouth followed by soft tannins and fleshy fruit nuances. Only 13,000 bottles were produced. Drink: 2016-2024. Elisabetta Gnudi is an important force in Tuscan wine. The owner of Borgo Scopeto in Chianti Classico, she purchased Caparzo in 1999, soon followed by the acquisition of the adjacent property, the venerable Altesino, in 2003. I have always been a fan of her range of products and the honest pricing associated with them. This set of new release offers a good number of excellent value buys. Importer: Vineyard Brands, www.vineyardbrands.com