The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino, a full, dark ruby with perfectly ripe berry and currant fruit on the nose, offers warm and penetrating aromas given a further complexity with coconut and cloves from the oak. Its smooth and supple flavors have plenty of weight and depth, and there is a rising volume and density on the finish. Beau Brummel with biceps – to drink 2004-2012. High level winemaking here. This small Montalcino property is part of a large Italian insurance company, with the largest part of the wine operation being the Fattoria del Cerro in Montepulciano. The vineyards, well located near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, produced good wines for a decade, but in 1997, largely due to the exceptional work of winemaker Lorenzo Landi, quality took a startling leap. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Another blockbuster from this estate. This is beautiful, with loads of cherry, blackberry and jam character. Full-bodied, with big velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Best after 2005. 4,525 cases made, 600 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add