The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the unqualified successes of the vintage. Dark, vibrant fruit melds into graphite, spices, menthol and minerals as this mid-weight, elegant Brunello opens up in the glass. Deceptively medium in body, the 2005 Brunello packs quite a punch, with tons of super-ripe fruit that caresses the palate and balances the tannins beautifully through to the close. The warm radiance of Castelnuovo comes through in spades. This is another brilliant Brunello that benefits from the inclusion of fruit that usually goes into the Riserva. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. I was blown away with the wines I tasted at Uccelliera this year. Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi showed me the entirety of his Brunellos in cask, which provided fascinating insights into the evolution of this small, family-run property. To be honest, I had never been a huge fan of Cortonesi’s Brunellos until the 2004 vintage, as I often found the wines excessively heavy. Not coincidentally, 2004 is the first year Cortonesi worked with lower temperatures in fermentation which resulted in wines of superb elegance and delineation. Uccelliera is now without question one of the handful of top producers in Montalcino. 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

There's very pretty aromas of mulberry and flowers in this full-bodied red, with toasty oak, coffee and dark fruits on the palate and a chewy, tannic finish. Still tight and holding back. Best after 2012. 1,365 cases made, 665 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Uccelliera makes some of the best Brunello you will find in the USA. This vintage does a great job of expressing the sun-drenched territory of Montalcino. Cherry and spice round off the bouquet and the mouthfeel is characterized by immense smoothness and richness. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers. ——M.L.(10/1/2010)—— 93