The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is simply gorgeous in the way all of its elements come together. It’s hard to know where to start with this wine. Smoke, scorched earth, black cherries and wild herbs are all melded seamlessly in a Brunello loaded with flavor, personality and sheer character. The wine possesses formidable concentration and phenomenal length, with lingering notes of sweetness that round out the close. Uccelliera’s Brunello was impressive from cask, and it is just as impressive now that it is in bottle. Readers who have the opportunity to taste the wine at this young stage should not hesitate although a few years are needed before it blossoms fully. Simply put, this is the finest wine I have tasted from Andrea Cortonesi. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi embodies the finest of the artisan tradition in Montalcino. Cortonesi’s wines have always been bold and exciting, but with the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Cortonesi has arrived at a new level of elegance. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Complex aromas of rose, blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with wonderfully velvety tannins and focused, juicy, rich fruit. Long and intense. The finish shows berry, tobacco, toasty oak, berry and chocolate. Goes on and on. One of the wines of the vintage. Best after 2011. 1,890 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Ripe red berry fruits, stewed and jammy. Good ripe fruit, more vigour on pa late than expected Drink from the nose. Classic.

This is among our favorite 2004 Brunellos. Winemaker Andrea Cortonesi who once said, “the best irrigation is sweat,” has worked hard to craft this plush, modern and penetrating wine. It boasts a deep, dark concentration and a very beautiful bouquet of luscious blackberries, spice, black mineral and cola. It’s round and supple and shines simpatico.——M.L.(6/1/2009)—— 94