The estate’s medium-ruby colored 2001 Brunello di Montalcino shows an expressive nose along with vibrant layers of sweet fruit on a medium-bodied, firmly structured frame with excellent length, fine, elegant tannins and a lively note of minerality that provides freshness on the finish. It should be at its best in a few years and drink well to age 15-20. A beautiful, finely nuanced, understated Brunello. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2019. The tiny Le Macioche estate is located just down the road from Biondi-Santi’s Il Greppo. The relatively high altitude of the vineyards and a traditional approach to winemaking combine to produce classically structured, ethereal wines of notable elegance. Often unimpressive at first, this producer’s wines show much better with a few hours of aeration. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Some berry and cherry character, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2008. 1,000 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

This is a wine you’ll love or you won’t. Our panelists came up with a long list of descriptors for the nose: strawberry, rhubarb, pastry crust, smoked bacon fat, resin, rubber and tar. In the mouth, it delivers a stone-mineral quality and tart acidity that is almost excessive. A Marc De Grazia Selection, various U.S. Importers.——W.E.(4/1/2006)—— 89