Vitanza's 1999 Rosso di Montalcino exhibits a medium to dark ruby color as well as a big, sweet, jammy strawberry and cherry-scented bouquet displaying notions of dried herbs. Spicy and fresh, with loads of fruit and no hard edges, it will drink beautifully over the next 3-5 years. My tastings have consistently revealed that the 1999 Rosso di Montalcinos are as good, and in fact more appealing and pleasurable than the expensive 1995 and 1996 Brunello di Montalcinos. There are a few exceptions, but generally, for one-third to one-half the price, readers can't go wrong purchasing 1999 Rossos.
Importer: Seth Allen, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700