The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is an expressive and articulate wine that speaks highly of Sangiovese and the Montalcino territory. The wine offers a pristine narrative of both grape and place with crystalline aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, leather, smoke and Mediterranean herb. The bouquet peels back one delicious layer at a time. The mouthfeel is similarly successful with deep concentration and complexity. It imparts soft layers of dried fruit and velvety tannins. Endnotes of espresso bean and toasted almond add length and momentum. There's even spot of chewy sweetness that is typical of the warm 2009 vintage.- ML

Dark purple core with some lighter orange towards the rim. The cherry and berry fruit on the nose is complemented beautifully by savory notes of forest floor, hints of cedar, dried mushrooms, eucalyptus, dried red and pink flower petals and orange peel. On the palate it is nuanced and consistent with the nose. Savory notes of cigar box, potpourri and citrus zest lead with secondary notes of red fruit. A great dinner table wine with a fine tannins and lively acidity that will benefit with a decant. Drink now through 2025+

Displays aromas of leather, cherry and tobacco, with hints of licorice and spice. Open and approachable, light-weight, showing a gossamer texture. Borders on silky, with a moderately firm grip on the fine, succulent finish.—Non-blind Valdicava Brunello vertical (July 2017). Best from 2019 through 2030. 1,300 cases made, 300 cases imported. — BS