Readers looking for a sumptuous, sleek Brunello should check out Casanuova delle Cerbaie’s terrific 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. A deeply-colored ruby, it possesses nuanced aromatics along with notable precision and definition in its smoke, tar, licorice, underbrush and sweet dark fruit. It will require a few years to better integrate its oak, but this delicious, poised Brunello is well worth seeking out. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Importer: Vinity Wine Company, Emeryville, CA; tel. (510) 601-6010

Solid and racy, with chewy tannins, yet they are caressing and pretty. Full and concentrated, with dried porcini and berry character. Long and beautiful. Best after 2009. 330 cases made, 165 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add