The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is lush, sweet and inviting. Today the 2007 doesn’t quite have the sheer visceral thrill and excitement of the 2006, but it more than makes up for that with its early approachability. Dark red berries, spices and crushed flowers are layered into the finish. There is plenty of volume but not a lot of structure. The 2007 Brunello was made from three separate parcels with different altitudes and exposures. Malolactic fermentation was done in steel and the wine was aged in a combination of casks and neutral small French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Andrea Cortonesi’s biggest competition these days is oddly enough from himself! The Uccelliera wines are as good as they’ve ever been, but it is impossible not to compare them with the wines Cortonesi makes under the Voliero label. Uccelliera is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southern part of Montalcino, where the terroirs yield big, dramatic Rossi and Brunelli. Cortonesi describes 2007 as an overall warmer year than 2006. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL (847) 430-3887

This intense red is on the racy side, with vibrant acidity and entrenched tannins supporting the floral, cherry, licorice and spice aromas and flavors. Plays out gracefully on the palate, with a lingering finish. Best from 2014 through 2024. 1,660 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Austere, tight and sophisticated, this well-extracted Brunello shows dry aromas of crushed granite along with ethereal tones of dried ginger, black licorice and root beer. Inky appearance with chewy richness. The mouthfeel is round, chewy and packed with sweet fruit and spice. Drink after 2015. ——M.L.(5/1/2012)—— 94