The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is wonderfully plump and juicy in its expressive red fruit. Floral notes are woven throughout, giving the wine its sense of lift and proportion. Though not as explosive as the 2004, the 2005 Brunello di Montalcino offers outstanding persistence on the palate and a long, generous finish. This is a terrific effort from Ciacci. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini has turned out a gorgeous set of wines. In 2005 Bianchini elected to forgo his top Brunello, Pianrosso, and bottle just his straight Brunello, which has all of the best fruit he was able to bring in that year. The result speaks for itself. I also tasted a number of Brunellos in cask from vintages 2006 through 2008 that appear quite promising. As good as the Brunellos are, value-conscious readers will want to pay special attention to Ciacci’s entry-level wines, which are just as noteworthy. Importer: Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530-4021

Prune, tar and dried spices on the nose follow through to a medium-to-full body, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Outstanding for the vintage. Needs a little bottle age to soften. Best after 2012. 3,250 cases made, 1,335 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

This is an elegant Brunello with pretty aromas of wild berries, cassis and white cherry enhanced by determined notes of spice and smoke. On the nose the wine is vertical and intense but like many expression from the 2005 vintage, the mouthfeel is toned down in dimension. ——M.L.(10/1/2010)—— 90