Wonderfully perfumed, with roses, berries and fresh leather. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a long, cherry, floral, berry aftertaste. Fresh acidity. Very tight, yet extremely well-structured. Best after 2004. 2,400 cases made. ?JS Review Date: June 2002

Readers who love leather aromas and flavors will adore the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino as it smells like a new horse saddle. There are also scents of cherries, tobacco, and herbs. Full-bodied, with an opaque garnet color, high extraction, and severe tannin, it has all the necessary components for a long life. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2023.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900 Review Date: December 2002