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