Complex characteristics of leather, plums, prunes, Asian spices, licorice, and dried herbs jump from the glass of this full-bodied, rich, well-endowed Brunello. Its deep garnet/ruby color is accompanied by impressive sweetness, moderate levels of ripe tannin, and a long finish. Based on this effort, among the finest Brunellos I have tasted from this vintage, 1997 promises reasonably forward and accessible wines. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016. Importers: Domaine Select Wine Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 398-5871; Chambers and Chambers, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 626-2121; and Admiralty Importers, OR