Super-ripe red cherries, minerals and flowers burst from the bouquet of the 2005 Brunello di Montalcino. The soft, perfumed fruit sits on a firm, structured core yet the tannins remain quite silky and elegant throughout. Intricate notes of freshly cut flowers intermingle with bright red fruit through to the persistent finish. There is a lovely purity to the fruit here. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Creamy and luscious with sweet fruit tones backed by layers of spice and tobacco, this wine does a nice job of showcasing the 2005 vintage of Brunello. The wine is less expressive in the mouth, where it shows a lean, compact feel with bright acidity. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers. ——M.L.(10/1/2010)—— 91