The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino offers up dried flowers, savory herbs, anise, fennel and wild cherries. A savory and at times wild Brunello, the 2008 comes across as a bit chunky in this vintage. There is good depth in the fruit, but I don’t see much potential for future development. Herbal overtones linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. This is a mixed set of releases from Altesino, one of Montalcino’s historic properties. The 2008 Brunellos and the 2007 Riserva in particular show signs of greenness and oxidation that recall the problems that plagued the 2001s a few years back. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

This is distinctive, with an intense balsamic flavor backed by plum, cherry and spice notes. Sweet and ample for the vintage, covering the firm, underlying tannins. Everything is integrated and long. Best from 2015 through 2028. 9,200 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add