The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna delle Raunate is a new wine for me, apparently a single-vineyard selection, and, what counts more, clearly superior both to the regular Brunello bottling and the 1998 Riserva. Spicy red fruit and liquorice aromas mark the nose, and the flavors, though a bit hot and dry, are a good medium weight and reasonably continuous. Drink: 2005-2014. Importer: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

Very ripe and rich on the nose with just a hint of decadence. Full-bodied, with a raisiny, spicy character, chewy tannins and a slightly austere finish. A little too extracted. Needs some bottle age. A new single-vineyard wine from this producer. Not imported into the U.S. Best after 2005. 600 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add