2001 Capanna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Brunello--the Sangiovese clone know as Sangiovese Gross--is responsible for many awesome wines coming from Montalcino, gets its name from the brownish hue of the grape when it's ripe. There are three distinct areas in Montalcino, each of which produces a particular style. Generally speaking, from one of my reading sources, brunellos are big, rich, powerful and firm, exhibiting a peppery, almost spicy characteristic, along with tea, cinnamon, and fig.

Montalcino is divided into three major regions: the sunbaked southwest that produces big and rich wines, the northeast-facing scarp slope yields the elegant wines, and the firmest come from the sheltered southeast slope which is home to the pioneering Biondi-Santi.

Compared to my last review of this wine, I've come a long way and so has this 95-pointer from the classic 2001 vintage, which according to Wine Spectator, I opened too early. I rationalize it as research on how it's developed 18 months later.

Beautifully aromatic with aromas of dried citrus, culminating with red fruits, particularly with dark cherries dominating, followed by earth, leather and a touch of creamy vanilla and wood. On the palate, it exhibits a nice profile of red fruits intermixed with just the slightest touch of acidity and firm, yet subtle tannins that lead to a persistently dry finish.

Enjoyed alongside a nice medium rare New York Strip. As for cheese, I'm thinking Piave Vechio, Parmesan Reggiano, tallegio, perla gresia, cacio di bosco.

Second day: garnet-brick colors with more pronounced leather aromas, soft red fruit flavors on the palette, low acidity, dry finish.

Where to find it? One possibility D&L Liquors in Waltham and also in Woburn (~$70). I know Deluca's on Newbury St and Fairfield St carries Capanna wines, but not the 2001 Riserva.

il Molino di Grace Riserva 2001

I'm satisfied on a consistent basis by the many wines imported by Ed Peterson of Domaine Select Wine Estates. Even after being open for several days, the wines have been particularly impressive. Especially this Chianti Classico from il Molino di Grace, particularly it's Selezione Il Margone, which maintains a complexity that's hard to beat and flavors that make me want to grill a New York strip at 3:10 a.m. In fact, it's so good that I think I'll act on my whim and broil that Kansas City strip I've got marinating in the fridge right now. On a sidenote, I'm rather stuffed up right now, but I get aromas of strawberries right now, but that's about it for now...we'll see if I have any left after my meal. If not, then oh well.

1999 Il Palazzone

I experienced this amazing Brunello di Montalcino (which, unfortunately is not imported for retail sale in the U.S. or so says this), along with numerous other wines (from Opus One, which was like velvet but still overrated, to a 1992 Stags Leap Winery Cabernet (amazingly complex and very well balanced), 1999 Heitz Bella Oaks Cabernet (nice, but not my favorite), 2002 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet (wonderful year and proof of Beringer's ongoing ability to produce top notch Cabernet capable of aging; their chardonnay, not so much), 2005 Etude Deer Camp Pinot Noir (blows their standard Carneros Pinot Noir OUT of the water), 2006 Elderton Command Shiraz (powerful, opulent, fruit forward, and possesses a complexity that shines), Perrier Jouet Fleur De Champagne (mmmmm, tasty), Krug's Grand Cuvee (After tasting this, I no longer wonder how Krug has the ability to sell a bottle of champagne for $$$$), complex and one that I repeatedly had to "taste") last night during an extravagant wine tasting event sponsored by the Boston Seaport Morton's. The event was stellar and the networking opportunities numerous; not to mention the great food and a silent auction, benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation and consisting of a Primat (27 Liters) of 2005 Charles Krug Vintage Selection and a private cocktail reception for 40. I'm currently drinking the remainder of this day-old Brunello which has had the chance to really open up. Aromas of wet earth, subtle red fruit, and flowers. Flavors of ripe, yet subdued strawberries, earth, and cherries, with a long, smooth finish. As I remember from yesterday, I didn't enjoy this Brunello as much as I did tonight. My favorite Brunello so far has been the 2001 Capanna Riserva.