The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino from Capanna opens with expressive high-toned aromas of flowers and spices. Medium in body, it offers an attractive up-front quality in its red cherry fruit and soft tannins, yet falls a bit short on the mid-palate. It should be a good relatively early-drinking wine in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Importers: Masciarelli Wine Company, Weymouth, MA; tel. (781) 335-6620, Villa Italia, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 873-6060

Loads of ripe berry, raspberry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, velvety yet tannic. Big and powerful. Mouth-puckering. Too much extraction? Best after 2009. 3,200 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Anise seed, cherry cola, balsam notes, bacon fat, sandalwood and mint liquor are nicely stitched together. The wine renders a warm sensation in the mouth with exotic spice over a persistent finish. Imported by Masciarelli Wine Co.