Brunellos On Independence Day

This year I spent Independence Day in a not-so-American place: Montalcino. But I did taste some spectacular Brunellos during a great, meat-only charity dinner in La Fortezza (read more here).

Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2008: A beautiful wine with lovely plum and cedar character. Full body, with velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Lots of cocoa powder too. This needs a year or two to soften. 93 points

San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere Riserva 2007: A wine with amazing depth of fruit with freshly sliced plums, cedar and spice character, but it remains so delicate and refined. Full and very velvety with a long and delicious finish. Best ever from here. Drink now or hold. 96 points

Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2007: Dried fruits with hints of coffee bean and cedar. Full body, with silky tannins and a tangy, savory finish. Almost salty character with ripe fruits. Complex and succulent on the finish. Drink or hold. 95 points

Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Franci 2006 (Magnum - only 100 made): This is decadent yet soft. Blackberries, plums and rosewood aromas, follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and dried fruit character. Milk chocolate notes. Delicious finish. A joy to drink now. 94 points

Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2007 (Magnum): There's finesse and beauty to this wine with plum and berry character, shaved chocolate and hints of almonds. Full and super fine. Gorgeous. 95 points