Brunello di Montalcino Pian Delle Vigne Antinori 1997 (750ML)

90 points, Edward Beltrami, Vinous: "Medium to dark garnet. Fresh, engaging nose suggests mocha, cinnamon, cedar and vanilla. Forceful entry of black cherry leads to juicy, high-toned flavors of dark berry fruits. Smooth, glossy and graceful but ultimately a wine of very good rather than outstanding weight and length. Ripely tannic finish. This property is part of Antinori far-flung wine holdings." 07/02

97 Points, Wine Spectator: "Very rich and plummy, with lots of mineral and floral undertones. Full, fresh and very powerful, with big, yet silky tannins and a long aftertaste of cherry and spices. Very, very long. Still needs time.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009." 2007

93 Points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast: "The work of award-winning winemaker Renzo Cotarella shows through in this wine's modern, bright purple color, its new wood and ripe fruit aromas and in the juicy blackberry and berry fruit flavors. Yet it is certainly not just modern glitz: Lurking behind is the real heart of a tough, ageworthy, tannic Brunello, which promises a good 10 years at least before being ready to drink." 8/2002