The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a warm, supple wine endowed with gorgeous, expressive dark red berries, licorice, tar and subtle French oak, all of which come together on a soft, mid-weight frame. The finish is long and caressing. This is one of the more open, approachable Brunellos in this vintage and it should be accessible upon release, after which it will drink well for another decade or so. This is a very strong effort for a property in transition. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

Dried fruits on the nose, with raisin and grilled meat. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and ripe fruit. There's plenty of new wood, but it all should come together beautifully with bottle age. Best after 2011. 2,915 cases made.