Proprietor Giacomo Neri has turned out another terrific Brunello in his 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. Made in a jam-packed style, this deeply-colored wine explodes from the glass with the essence of blackberries, smoke, tar, chocolate and sweet toasted oak, showing outstanding length and ripe tannins. It is a big, plush Brunello to cellar for a year or two and drink over the following decade.

The nose of the wine was breathtaking with aromas of dark berries, aniseed, meat, and mint. It was full and soft with such beauty. The tannins were totally resolved now and caressed the palate. It lasted for minutes on the palate. It was phenomenal. It was decanted about two hours before serving. June 2016

Back in its day, the 2001 vintage was somewhat underrated. The local growers' association gave it four stars (out of a total of five) in a self-policing system that has always been extremely generous toward the appellation. Tasted from magnum, the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto smells and tastes like it comes from a five-star vintage, determined as such by the most discerning critics. This wine meets the tallest expectations and surprises the skeptics. It opens to seamless integration with dried fruit aromas that slowly merge into soft spice and tobacco. In the mouth, the wine shows beautiful suppleness and firmness. The 2001 vintage saw reduced yields because of freezing temperatures on Easter night. This led to very small and concentrated berries and high quality. ML

It's hard to imagine a more concentrated, layered young Brunello, with aromas of crushed berries, treacle tart, light raisin, coffee and chocolate that follow effortlessly to the palate. Full-bodied, with chewy yet velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Develops wonderfully in the glass and grows fruitier with every minute. A great wine, with extraordinary depth. One of the greatest Brunellos of all time. Classic. Best after 2012. 895 cases made.