Extremely bold and dark with exceedingly Brunello-like extravagance and opulence. Inky darkness and loads of aromatic momentum in the form of blackberry cherry liqueur spice leather tobacco rum cake dark cinnamon vanilla bean and bitter chocolate. Impressive complexity. Soft ripe and generous on the close but not overdone or overripe. Well-contained and balanced. - M.L.

Aromas of ripe raspberries and blueberries follow through to a full body with a solid core of fruit and bright acidity. Dried lemon rind as well. This is a wine that needs a few years to open and show you what it truly has. Always serious.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous in this vintage. Sweet red berries flowers mint hard candy and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from this radiant hugely expressive wine. The 2007 stands apart for its sensual feminine personality and fabulous overall balance. High-toned floral notes waft from the glass on the sensual finish. There is just a touch of sweetness from the ripeness of the fruit. The 2007 was vinified in conical oak vats and aged in Slavonian oak casks for 40 months a very traditional approach that works nicely here. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. 93+