Tim Atkin: Inky, dense, and dark. a southern montalcino style, with more color, Ripeness, and concentration. Ripe, high alcohol on the nose, with lots of sweet oak. A rather ponderous wine, with notes of plum and mint but not much in the way of Brunello aromas or flavors. A decent dry red, but no more than that. 13.5

Nicolas Belfrage: Remarkably deep, virtually opaque, very youthful color. Simple if attractive berry-fruit nose. The blandness of the nose leads into a similar palate; okay ripe fruit but neither very typical nor special. A little short. drink now+. 12

Bruno Besa: Deep garnet to tawny rim. Mature, spicy, open red-and-black- fruit nose, with prunes, morello cherries, and hints of licorice and orange marmalade. Full body, firm palate, with copious tannins and long mature fruit. A very young Brunello, with a big personality. 17