The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino tastes just like it did when I tasted it from barrel two years ago. It possesses a plump, juicy personality, with plenty of up-front super-ripe fruit but no real complexity or length to speak of. Anything resembling varietal expression is far off in the distance. Fanti’s Brunello is the most confused and confusing wine coming out of Montalcino. Three bottles tasted with consistent notes. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Ripe black cherry and sweet tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with lots of concentrated fruit and a long finish. Rich and opulent. Best after 2010. 5,420 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Fanti’s bold Brunello is ripe and jammy with penetrating notes of dried fruit, prunes, blackberry marmalade and cherry liqueur. The wine is inky and dense in appearance with chewy ripe tannins and a rich, smoky finish.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 87