The estate's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is off the charts, especially considering it is the debut vintage for this wine. Campalto's Brunello combines elements of richness and sheer density of fruit within the framework of a classically structured wine. Plums, cherries, wild herbs, menthol and minerals are woven together in an intricate fabric of rare pedigree and complexity. The finish is exceptionally pure, elegant and refined. Simply put, this seductive and powerful Brunello is a gem that readers won't want to miss. It is every bit as remarkable as my comments suggest. The Brunello saw 34 months of oak prior to bottling.

Good medium red. Spicy aromas of cherry, redcurrant, licorice, dried rose, cinnamon and graphite. Supple, fine-grained and nicely concentrated, with harmonious acidity nicely supporting the sweet flavors of red plum, currant, spicecake and dried flowers. Spreads out nicely on the back end, finishing with firm but ripe tannins and good energy. This may be a bit oaky for some purists, but I loved the wine's sugar/acid balance and suave texture.