I have had these brunellos on multiple occasions.  They have always delivered.  They used to represent one of the better values in Brunello, and could frequently be found at attractive discount prices at the discount wine stores.  The wine got a lot of nice press from Wine Spectator, and they have now raised the list price starting with the 1999 vintage (from the mid 40 dollar range to the 70-something dollar range).  Some of this may be due to the weakend dollar in recent years also.

At any rate, both the 98 and 97 deliver a rich bouquet of wild cherry, raspberry, and exotic spice, with hints of leather and tobacco as well.  On the palate, there is still a lot of tannin, but it is well integrated and not overbearing at all.  There is a lot of plummy and raisin like fruit on the palate, and the finish is robust and long.  The 1997 was more tannic than the 98, which was a little more of a finesse brunello.  In my opinion, both wines score just shy of 4 stars.

 

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