The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is intriguing in the way elements of over-ripeness and freshness come together. The wine possesses gorgeous depth and a long, silky finish redolent of generous toasted oak, new leather and smoke. This is an especially sleek style of Brunello, and while the use of French oak is slightly heavy-handed, the wine possesses tons of clarity and finesse, especially in t the sweet tannins that linger on the close. This is a highly promising effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. This is the first Brunello I have tasted from Podere Brizio. In 1996 proprietor Roberto Bellini sold part of his holdings at the Santa Restituta church to Angelo Gaja, but kept a few select parcels which became the nucleus for this new winery he co-owns with Patrizia Mazzi. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Cherries and berries, with hints of blackberries and lovely floral undertones. Full-bodied, with a serious density under the bright fruit and racy tannins. Give this some time. Best from 2010 through 2015. 1,640 cases made, 750 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Elegant, but closed nose. Firm and structured - some body and fruitquite balanced.