The 1997 Brunello di Montalcino (1,200 cases) is a dense, structured, full-bodied, intense effort revealing notes of licorice, smoke, leather, spice, and earth. With plenty of ripeness, fruit, glycerin, and concentration as well as high tannin, it will be at its finest between 2007-2017. Importer: Dominic Nocerino, Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907

Dark ruby-garnet, with intense blackberry, black cherry and fresh mushroom aromas. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a long, almost decadent aftertaste. Wonderful texture and rich, developed fruit.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now. 1,500 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

This wine is surprisingly accessible for a 1997 Brunello, which is both its attraction and its failing. It lacks the power of many wines of this vintage, but has generous ripe fruit and dry tannins that balance well. A medium-term wine. Drink after seven or eight years. ——R.V.(8/1/2002)—— 88