The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is also exceptional. Firm tannins support a core of dark, expressive fruit in a wine that impresses for its depth, richness and concentration. Black cherries, tar, licorice, smoke and incense emerge over time as the Sugarille shows its typical brooding personality. Layers of fruit continue to build to the huge, enveloping finish. The Sugarille is another wine clearly built for aging. As is typically the case, the Sugarille is more tannin and vibrant than the Rennina. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026. Leave it to Angelo Gaja and his team to make two of the most impressive Brunellos of the vintage. Both wines are magnificent in 2008. As always, the Rennina is the more floral and feminine of the wines, while the Sugarille is built on a firmer structural core. In the past, the two single-vineyard designate Brunellos have been further away in terms of quality, but in 2008 they are much closer. I suspect that has to do with the introduction of new non-vineyard designate Brunello, a wine I did not taste for this article. The Pieve Santa Restituta Brunellos typically offer considerable early appeal, but they have also proven to age exceptionally well. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Violet, blackberry, black cherry, spice and earth aromas and flavors course through this rich red. Deftly oaked and decidedly modern, this remains harmonious and polished, with fine length. Best from 2016 through 2029. 1,667 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add