1 | Wine | Page 273

"The 2006 I Sodi di San Niccolo is fabulous. Beautifully delineated aromatics meld into a breathtaking array of dark fruit, crushed rocks, smoke, tar, minerals and flowers in this totally thrilling Tuscan red. The fruit completely saturates the palate, while persistent notes of crushed rocks and all things mineral round things out. I love the way Malvasia Nera confers darkness, richness and power to the Sangioveto, but without abandoning a pure-bred Tuscan expression of sheer class. I Sodi has a track record of developing beautifully in bottle and I have no doubt that will be the case here."

"Lively, with good balance and subtle flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, chalk and spice. Lightly crunchy, with a fresh, lip-smacking finish."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino saturates the palate with deep layers of fruit. This is a fabulous, highly expressive Brunello with virtually no hard edges and superb overall balance. It is one of the more approachable young wines I have ever tasted from this historic Montalcino estate. I imagine the 2007 will enjoy a broad window of drinkability beginning nearly upon release."

"Deep ruby colour, ripe fruit aroma. Rich fruity flavour of elegant structure."

"It proffers a perfume of sandalwood, meat, game, Asian spices, lilacs, and blueberry. Rich, opulent, layered, and dense, this full-bodied, pleasure-bent wine will evolve for 4-5 years."

"Elegant, with delicate acidity. ...framing subtle notes of white peach, fresh flowers, dried pineapple and biscuit. Very refined in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish."