Ciacci Piccolomini emerged as one of the major names in Montalcino in the mid-1980’s when Roberto Cipresso arrived to supervise the winemaking. Cipresso is no longer present, but the oenological duties are more than capably handled by Paolo Vagaggini and the wines, if not necessarily better, have become more numerous and varied. The owners, the Bianchini family, continue to believe in their vineyards, some of the best in the appellation, and their confidence seems well placed, to judge by the 2002 Rosso di Montalcino, a wine from a trying vintage, smooth and elegant with much ripe fruit and herbs and a finish of some substance. 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