The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and powerful as masses of black cherries, plums, tar and licorice emerge from the glass. This is an especially dense, full-throttle Brunello in a vintage that yielded decidedly smaller-scaled wines. The intensity of the fruit carries all the way through to the finish without losing an ounce of vitality. This is impressive stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Sesta di Sopra has produced one of the finest Brunellos in 2005. Sadly, there are only 4,500 bottles to go around, as the vineyard covers just one hectare. Importers: Premier Wine Company, Richmond, CA; tel. (818) 731-6238

Indian spices and sliced plum on the nose, with hints of ripe strawberry. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a powerful palate. Very structured. A small and serious producer. Best after 2012. 375 cases made, 165 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Here’s a dense, dark Brunello with aromas of moist soil, forest floor, exotic spice and tones of black fruit, prune, plum and currant. These notes are well integrated and the mouthfeel is austere, solid and dense. Pair this wine with grilled red meat or pasta with meat sauce.——M.L.(8/1/2010)—— 91