Shows loads of new toasty wood on the nose, with intensely ripe fruit. Full-bodied, very chewy and slightly austere from the new wood. But should come around beautifully with bottle age. Best after 2012. 665 cases made, 415 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Here’s a thick and concentrated Brunello with meaty aromas of smoked bacon and air-dried beef. The fruit notes are on the mature, jammy side and there’s also a hint of wet earth or white mushroom that is typical of Sangiovese Grosso in warmer vintages like 2005. It delivers gritty, raw tannins that need a few years to unwind.——M.L.(8/1/2010)—— 89