Valdicava’s fully-saturated, almost black 2001 Brunello di Montalcino is a massively endowed effort packed with opulent layers of jammy dark fruit, licorice, cassis and earth. It offers great length in a richly sumptuous, concentrated style. I must admit this wine’s virtually black color is hard to understand but it is difficult for me to fault the absolute quality of what is in the glass even if the style is quite atypical. Hard to resist today, it also clearly has the stuffing to drink well to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2021. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Valdicava’s fully-saturated, almost black 2001 Brunello di Montalcino is a massively endowed effort packed with opulent layers of jammy dark fruit, licorice, cassis and earth. It offers great length in a richly sumptuous, concentrated style. I must admit this wine’s virtually black color is hard to understand but it is difficult for me to fault the absolute quality of what is in the glass even if the style is quite atypical. Hard to resist today, it also clearly has the stuffing to drink well to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2021. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Black hued, with intense aromas of crushed berries and licorice with hints of oak. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. One of the best Brunellos I have had in a long time. Best after 2010. 2,500 cases made, 600 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Inkjet black and super concentrated, the wine actually delivers fresh fruit and squeezed berry youthfulness. By the looks of it, you’d expect a massive, oaked, tannic beast, but instead are treated to a wine full of creamy coffee and velvety tobacco leaf flavors. Imported by Vinifera Imports. ——W.E.(4/1/2006)—— 91