Fanti’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is an inky, opulent wine bursting with dark blueberries, blackberries, violets and spices. Despite the wine’s richness, for the first time in many a year additional layers of complexity have begun to emerge. The wine possesses plenty of density as well as richness to balance the tannins, along with an elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Shows blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe berry and cream character. Rich and flavorful. Long and beautiful. It's layered and velvety. Seductive. Drink now. 5,610 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Intensely spicy and concentrated. Great density of juicy, black cherries. Very well woven cotton-like tannins. Upfront and generous, yet classic Sangiovese with fresh elegance. Long and complex.

Thick, dark and beautifully concentrated, this is a dense, succulent wine with a soft, velvety feel that will appeal to those who like this style. The aromas are layered and penetrating and span the gamut of black fruit to smoky spice. Drink this Brunello now through 2015.——M.L.(6/1/2009)—— 92