The 2008 Il Brecciolino is striking in this vintage. Finessed tannins provide the backdrop for this highly expressive, nuanced wine. Sweet dark cherries, mint, licorice and new leather all meld together beautifully. Some very slight rustic edges remain, but not enough to detract from the wine’s considerable personality. Il Brecciolino is 50% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and 30% Sangiovese. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Importers: Atlantic Importing, Framingham, MA; tel. (508) 665-4272; Aventine Hill Wines, Stratford, CT; tel. (203) 386-0615; Domace Vino, Saint Paul, MN; tel.(612) 865-3150