The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie is a darker, richer wine, with plenty of black cherries, licorice, tobacco, leather and sweet spices. Despite the wine’s intensity and structure, it shares the harmonious, generous qualities that make the regular Brunello so appealing. This is another beautifully-proportioned wine from Il Marroneto, but it will need a few years in bottle for the tannins to melt away. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. In recent years Il Marroneto and proprietor Alessandro Mori have turned out very strong wines, as is the case again in 2004. These big, cask-aged Brunellos offers tons of style and sheer pedigree. Importer: Riviera Import, Long Island City, NY; tel. (917) 328-8830

Cherry, dried raspberry and ripe strawberry aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins that are polished and pretty. Long and fruity finish. Reserved now, but shows excellent potential. Best after 2010. 500 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add