The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino is the best regular bottling the house has yet released, a full, blackish ruby-garnet with a lovely tarry, mineral, plummy nose endowed with intriguing notes of leather, solid, dense, and long on the palate with complex flavors of plums, tobacco, and underbrush on its sweet, voluptuous finish. Drink: 2005-2016. Importer: Vinifera, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino is advancing fast in terms of its aged aromas. The bouquet offers a large quota of cured beat, juniper and bresaola. Only once you get past those dehydrated, meaty tones do you notice the strongly floral aromas at the back. Pressed rose and perfumed potpourri are on full display. There’s a nice touch of acidity, as well as pure menthol, that helps to break up the thickness of the wine. Open the bottle one or two hours before serving. Drink: 2014-2022.

Shows sweet raspberry and vanilla aromas, with hints of cream. Full-bodied and packed with ripe fruit and new wood, this is starting to come together now. A jammy, fruit-forward wine.—'99 Brunello blind retrospective (2009). Best from 2010 through 2016. 1,600 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Full-force and also full of new oak. The nose deals charcoal, cola and root beer, while the palate offers blackberry and sweet cherry flavors. This one is extracted and rich, and while it lacks some edginess and foundation, overall it’s a very nice wine. ——M.S.(6/1/2004)—— 89