3 | Wine | 2007 | Page 4

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is beautiful in this vintage. Layers of dark red cherries, flowers, licorice and tobacco caress the palate in this generous, expressive Brunello. The 2007 presents an intriguing combination of classic Sangiovese aromas and flavors with the generosity and radiance of the vintage."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is beautiful. A large-scaled, opulent wine, the 2007 captures the personality of the vintage while retaining fabulous balance and proportion. Layers of dark fruit, mocha, spices and new leather build effortlessly to the huge, palate staining finish. This is a fabulous showing."

"There's plenty of tannic power in this crisp style, offering flavors of raspberry and cherry that show notes of bittersweet chocolate and citrus, which extend on the dense finish."

"This has a much more precocious nose than other 2007s: honey, apricot, peach, a touch of spice, mandarin and a soupcon of warm alcohol, in other words, quintessential Doisy-Vedrines. The palate is full-bodied, viscous on the entry and maintaining good balance, fine acidity cutting through the rich honey, quince and apricot fruit, with great definition and vitality towards the botrytis-rich finish. There is real pedigree here, and the 2007 surely represents their best wines since the triumvirate of 88, 89, and 90. This is a benchmark Doisy-Vedrines."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, violets, leather, licorice and black cherries. Firm underlying tannins lend vibrancy to the voluptuous fruit. The Casanova di Neri straight bottling – sometimes referred to as the “white label” – is made from some of the estate’s cooler sites. In 2007 the wine has more depth, fruit and overall harmony than is typically the case. Bright acidity frames the long, polished finish. In short, this is a fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri. Along with the 2006, the 2007 is one the best and most complete vintages I can remember tasting in some time. Most importantly of all, though, it is flat-out delicious."

"The 2007 Barolo Margheria was raised in cask and reveals a slightly more classic side of Nebbiolo. Sweet floral herbs, tobacco, geranium and wild flowers emerge from the bouquet. The firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of fruit loaded with Serralunga character, leading to a wiry, muscular finish. Hints of leather, licorice and iron linger in the glass. The Margheria is less immediate than the Bricco Fiasco at this stage, and it will require more patience, but it is every bit as compelling."

"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."

"I love the nose on this, with blackberry, black licorice, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, medium sweet and very, very dense. What seductive mouthfeel, with polished, round tannins that caress the palate." 95-98 pts.