The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino, fresh and dark in color, shows much floral and mineral Sangiovese character in its red currant and wild cherry nose and a broad and enveloping palate, rich and smooth in texture and admirably long on the flow. Drink: 2005-2016. Wines produced by estates belonging to financial institutions rarely have a good reputation in Italy. The outstanding exception are those of mega-insurer SAI, and La Poderina is their Montalcino property.Importer: Vias, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino has not aged gracefully because all you have left are strong oak influences that overwhelm the senses. The nose is redolent of carpentry shop and sawdust with a distant shading of dried cherry lost somewhere at the back. The mouthfeel is tight and astringent. The wine seems to have evolved in such a way that saw its flesh disappear, leaving exposed a skeleton of wood. Drink: 2014-2015.

The color is dark and beautiful, and the fabulous aromas feature crushed blackberry, sliced meat and licorice, with some flowers as well. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful concentration of fruit. Long and caressing. This is just getting better and better.—'99 Brunello blind retrospective (2009). Drink now. 4,375 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Open-knit and scattered on the nose; simply put, it doesn’t have the density and strength of the big boys. But in the mouth, it offers lovely fruit, modest thickness, and racy acids. In many ways it’s akin to a Rosso di Montalcino or Chianti. ——M.S.(6/1/2004)—— 88