The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino is impeccable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, sweet red cherries and tobacco all take shape in the glass. A wine of superb detail and nuance, the 2008 impresses for its balance and sheer personality. This mid-weight, utterly gracious wine is a terrific effort from high-toned savory notes resonate on the finish.

(14.5% alcohol): Dark red. Very ripe aromas of red cherry, dark plum, mocha and menthol. Then supple, broad and full in the mouth, with very ripe red fruit and sweet spice flavors. Currently a bit chunky but not heavy, offering plenty of mid-palate richness and a creamy texture. Finishes a little abruptly, with a savory quality. I'd give this about five years in the cellar to see if it develops a little more complexity.

Palish, maturing ruby with orange tinges. Deep nose of cherry and mulch. Really complex and finely concentrated. Compact yet elegant palate that still needs to open up. Polished, fine tannic structure. Burgundian. (WS)