The 2009 Fabius is a bit of a mystery, since Syrah is a variety that generally does well in warmer years. The fruit is very much on the ripe side, with prominent notes of blackberry jam, licorice, spices and alcohol. At the same time, the tannins are surprisingly hard. Something isn’t quite right in the wine’s overall sense of balance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. Paolo Bianchini’s 2007 Brunelli are quite a bit better than the 2006s. One of the recent evolutions at Ciacci has been Bianchini’s desire to make an entry-level Brunello that is more affordable than his wines have been in the past, hence a greater separation in terms of quality and price between the straight Brunello and the Pianrosso. The Brunelli undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in steel, and are aged in cask. Importer: Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530 4021