The 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is fresh, vinous and ideally suited to drinking over the next few years. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and cinnamon are some of the notes that emerge in this radiant refreshing and pretty wine. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. When all is said and done, Col d'Orcia might have produced not just one of the wines of the 2008 vintage, but possibly two. Proprietor Francesco Marone Cinzano and his team, led by long-time estate manager Edoardo Virano, have done a magnificent job with these wines, the Brunellos in particular. Like many estates in this part of the region, Col d'Orcia was hammered by the August 15 hailstorm. Yields were down by a whopping 40%. What the estate lost in production is compensated with the superb quality of the wines. During my visit, I also tasted a vertical of the estate-s Moscadello, a first for me. In the best vintages, the Moscadello can age two decades, although whether or not the wine improves with bottle age is a matter of personal preference. Mine is to drink the wine either upon release or after it is 20 years old. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Raspberry and plum flavors take on tea and leather accents in this round red. Balanced, with fine grip and a spicy note on the lingering finish. Best from 2015 through 2020. 2,700 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Rosso di Montalcino Select to Add