The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino, a bright, fresh garnet with a perfumed and elegant nose of plums and berries, is shapely and inviting in flavor, soft and velvety but with very good size and length as well. Drink: 2005-2012. Owner Sergio Rossi, a cousin of Giulio Consollo, the founder of Altesino, arrived in Montalcino in 1972 and produces – particularly since the mid-1980’s – pleasurable wine from his vineyards in Canalicchio. Vittorio Fiore has long looked after the winemaking, and there is a very capable cellar master (cellar mistress? – we’re talking about a lady) as well. Importer: The Country Vintner, Oilville, VA; tel. (800) 365-9463

An aromatic 1998, with Indian spices and bright fruit, with hints of cloves. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely, fruity, minerally aftertaste. Best after 2003. 2,200 cases made, 650 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add