The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino from Le Chiuse opens with enticing, super-ripe aromatics that lead to notes of dark cherries and smoke. Unfortunately, it isn’t as generous on the palate as I had hoped, as the tannins lack finesse and ultimately dominate the wine’s overall balance. Today the wine comes across as lean and disjointed, and I don’t see bottle age making a measurable difference. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Light plum jam and flower aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Needs a little more bottle age. Best after 2009. 1,040 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add