The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova absolutely took me by surprise. Our first bottle was corked, but the second sample sang loud and clear. This wine stands out for its generosity and fullness that is still very much part of its personality. This is a giving Brunello that liberally imparts textural richness, dark fruit flavors, tobacco, spice and campfire ash. The balance is spot on and so is the wine's integration. The tannins have become silky and soft, and there's a touch of dark grittiness on the finish.

The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a better balanced, softer, sweeter wine than its 1997 counterpart. Nevertheless, it needs to be drunk over the next 5-6 years as it does not have the necessary depth to age longer. An attractive, evolved perfume of smoke, ashtray, cedar, tobacco, and red currants is followed by a medium-bodied Brunello with no hard edges (unlike its 1997 sibling).Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000

Intense aromas of plums, grapes and flowers. Full-bodied, with big, juicy tannins and a long berry, licorice finish. Very ripe style. Best after 2004. 5,090 cases made, 900 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add