The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di PianrossoSanta Caterina d’Oro is another terrific effort from Ciacci and proprietor Paolo Bianchini. This sumptuous, deeply-colored wine is gorgeously sweet and long, with endless layers of well-defined smoke, tar, earthiness, tobacco and black cherries. It reveals superb balance as well as ripe tannins that convey an image of elegance. As appealing as it is today, this Brunello will be even better in a few years’ time. It is one of the vintage’s unqualified successes. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019. Importer: A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

The stylish, cask-aged 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens with a floral, aromatic nose followed by sweet, perfumed red fruit that blossoms onto the palate with notable expansiveness in a superb display of finesse and elegance, closing with fine, supple tannins. Though tempting to drink today, it will be even better in a few years and will drink well to age twenty. It is one of the vintage’s great wines. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

This wine boasts a very nice balance of enticing aromas such as cola, mint tea, basil leaf, chocolate and dried tobacco. Yet there was enough fruit and berry flavors to ensure a long cellar life. Plump and velvety in the mouth, with mouth cleansing freshness on the finish. A Marc de Grazia selection, various U.S. importers. ——W.E.(4/1/2006)—— 91