Banfi’s 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is a big, full-bodied, intense wine loaded with dark jammy fruit, spices and licorice. Most of the wine’s charm is in its up-front personality as the finish is short and the tannins are astringent, most likely a combination of the quality of the fruit in this vintage and an exuberant use of French oak. While an excellent wine in absolute terms, there is very little that speaks to Brunello di Montalcino here. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Banfi makes a wide range of internationally-styled wines from its vast holdings in and around Montalcino. Importer: Banfi Vintners, Glen Head, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200

Shows clean blueberry pie and floral aromas and flavors on a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a tight finish. Clean and carefully constructed. Balanced and long. Best after 2010. 55,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

This wine and many like it were caught in the Brunello fraud scandal that rocked Montalcino in 2008. Whether it mirrors tradition or not, there’s no doubt that this is a well-crafted wine. It opens with an inky dark color and offers aromas of red fruit, chopped herbs and spice.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 89