James Suckling:  "I am impressed with the minerals, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Lavender too. Full body, with masses of fruit and tannins, yet refined and polished. Incredibly decadent. Made from organic grapes. Please don’t touch this until 2015." Jan 2011.  

Winery:   "La Serena’s Brunello di Montalcino comes from 17 year old vineyards near the famed Montesoli Cru. The vineyards, planted at 350 meters above sea level on clayey, calcareous soils, benefit from longer ripening periods and higher levels of acidity than their lower altitude counterparts. Fermentation takes place in large, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats, before being racked into large (20 hectoliter) French botte for 2 years. After aging in oak, the wine is aged in bottle for another 12 months before being released."

Wired For Wine:  We think you will be impressed too, by the many startlingly delicious nuances of this La Serena Brunello di Montalcino.  Mr. Suckling suggests waiting a bit longer before approaching this "incredibly decadent" Tuscan beauty, but we know that you might not be that patient.  Perhaps a bottle or two for the cellar, and a few to savor now...  Don't forget the all-important Father's Day which is galloping towards us.  Open your first bottle and give it some air while you prefer broiled eggplant and provolone bites.  È questo il paradiso?  The intense fruit and tannins, full body, well-rounded, refined character, floral notes and minerals in this La Serena make it the perfect match for all meats and game, on the grill in particular.  Try it with veal steaks wrapped in prosciutto and sage.   If you're looking for simple yet still fabulous, fettucine with a ragu bolognese is just what you need.  Lamb shanks braised with tomatoes, porcini and fresh herbs will call out the dried flowers and lavender in this Brunello like a pro.  At this point, everyone will be firmly planted in their seats.  Open another bottle, and give them another glass to go with an aged Italian Asiago cheese.  Its powerful flavor is just the ticket for this savory Sangiovese.  Cosa stai aspettando?

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:   Sangiovese
Alcohol:  14.5%
Ageing:   2 years in oak, 12 months in bottle
Region:   Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy