2005 Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo

The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty offering laced with fresh flowers, plums, dark berries and spices, all of which emerge gracefully from its mid-weight frame. Clean, minerally notes inform the long, delicate finish. This is a terrific effort from Castelgiocondo, especially considering production is a whopping 230,000 bottles. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. This large, sprawling property is located southwest of the town of Montalcino and is one of the two Montalcino wineries owned by the Frescobaldi family. In recent years the wines seem to be taking on a greater degree of elegance and finesse rather than relying on sheer power and concentration as has often been the case in the past. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

Almost opaque dark ruby with black brownish tinges. Plum and dried fruit nose, almost international with hints of sweet oak. Succulent palate, not heavy at all, with grainy tannins kicking in on the finish and hints of dried fruit. Firmly pushing the popular button. (WS)

The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty offering laced with fresh flowers, plums, dark berries and spices, all of which emerge gracefully from its mid-weight frame. Clean, minerally notes inform the long, delicate finish. This is a terrific effort from Castelgiocondo, especially considering production is a whopping 230,000 bottles. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Apr 2010, www.robertparker.com