2005 Brunello di Montalcino, Cerbaiona, Tuscany, Italy

Very much in its youth, Diego and Nora's 05 Brunello, all 583 cases of it, shows only distinct, crunchy red and black cherry stone fruit, primary and at this stage deceptively straightforward. The palate is slightly more forthcoming, boasting a fine texture, a beautiful limpidity, a firm Gevrey Chambertin character, combined with a great weight and sense of majesty. Perfectly poised for lift-off. Give it 10 years at least.
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer Diego Molinari was an Alitalia pilot for 25 years before retiring in the late 1970s. He and his vibrant, immaculate and designer handbag-loving wife scoured the lengths of Montalcino, looking for the perfect vineyard where they could pursue their winemaking dreams. They settled upon the small, north-easterly estate of Cerbaiona and bottled their first vintage in 1980.

Their exquisite 2005 Brunello is testament to the meticulous nature of the winemaking at Cerbaiona. Piercing aromas of cranberry, redcurrant and black cherry are abundant on the nose. There is a fine gravelly hue to the palate, which has a sumptuous velvety texture and clean, red fruit flavours. This is a pristine effort which will appeal to perfectionists.
Nicola Giacomelli, Senior Sales Executive