The 2001 Rosso di Montalcino, one of the better bottles of this promising vintage, is a blackish ruby in color with raspberry and vanilla aromas, and much concentration and depth of flavor, an important dimension for what is normally considered a “second wine”. Drink: 2004-2007. Baldassare Filippo Fanti is president of the Brunello producers’ consortium; more importantly for readers, he is also the owner of some excellent vineyards just to the north of Castelnuovo d’Abbate, prime territory for fine Brunello. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Very dark and raisiny, with a peppery character. Big and austere. Tastes not like Rosso but a burly red. Slightly overdone. Needs hearty food. Best after 2003. 4,165 cases made, 550 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Rosso di Montalcino Select to Add