The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a textured fabric of dark red berries, licorice, spices, tobacco and leather. Layers of fruit continue to build as the wine blossoms in every direction. Flowers, spices and leather reappear on the silky finish. The Brunello was aged in casks and smaller French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Banfi continues to step up their game with the 2007 Brunelli, the first wines made with a new approach to small-lot vinification that seeks to get the best out of the 47 Sangiovese parcels the estate owns. Importer: Banfi Vintners, Glen Head, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200

A big, chewy style, boasting plum, leather, tobacco and savory beef bouillon flavors. Muscular tannins offer support, and this finishes with moderate length. Best from 2015 through 2028. 47,200 cases made, 5,500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Garnet-ruby in color, with hues of amber at the rim. Oak tones of spice and toasted nut still need time to integrate. The wine is bright and slightly astringent, with a firm, polished disposition, but has nice fruit tones of currant and cassis. Give it a few more years in the cellar. ——M.L.(5/1/2012)—— 92