2007 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino

Moderately saturated medium red. Deeply pitched but slightly dull on the nose, offering scents of strawberry, smoky oak, dried flowers, menthol, underbrush and leather. Then rich and sweet in the mouth, showing good lift to its red fruit, floral and spice flavors. More energy and definition here than the nose suggests. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and good but not outstanding length.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a textured fabric of dark red berries, licorice, spices, tobacco and leather. Layers of fruit continue to build as the wine blossoms in every direction. Flowers, spices and leather reappear on the silky finish. The Brunello was aged in casks and smaller French oak barrels.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a textured fabric of dark red berries, licorice, spices, tobacco and leather. Layers of fruit continue to build as the wine blossoms in every direction. Flowers, spices and leather reappear on the silky finish. The Brunello was aged in casks and smaller French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Banfi continues to step up their game with the 2007 Brunelli, the first wines made with a new approach to small-lot vinification that seeks to get the best out of the 47 Sangiovese parcels the estate owns. Importer: Banfi Vintners, Glen Head, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200