The recently introduced single-vineyard 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto is so much more balanced and interesting next to the estate’s base Brunello. The wine’s appearance is richly saturated and compelling and the bouquet imparts careful doses of fruit, tobacco, leather and licorice that gradually build in intensity. The palate shows warms tones of game, Indian spice and cured meat, all capped by a lovely blast of bright red cherry that comes as an unexpected surprise. As is the case with many wines from this vintage, Vigna Loreto is engineered for near to medium-term consumption. Drink: 2016-2023. One of Montalcino’s most historic brands located near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Mastrojanni is today owned by the founders of Illy espresso coffee. The past decade has seen an impressive series of investments and improvements to quality. Importers: Selected Estates of Europe, www.selectedestates.com; Grappoli Imports, www.grappoligroup.com; Epic Wines, www.epic-wines.com

Starts out open, with cherry, strawberry, tobacco and underbrush flavors gathering intensity and structure. A bit beefy now, but concentrated, minerally, fresh and long. Best from 2017 through 2030. 750 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add