The 2008 Il Brecciolino is striking in this vintage. Finessed tannins provide the backdrop for this highly expressive, nuanced wine. Sweet dark cherries, mint, licorice and new leather all meld together beautifully. Some very slight rustic edges remain, but not enough to detract from the wine's considerable personality. Il Brecciolino is 50% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and 30% Sangiovese. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

(mainly merlot and petit verdot, with 10% sangiovese): Ruby-red. Spicy, earthy nuances complement dark cherry and floral aromas. Quite ripe to my taste, with a red cherry flavor complicated by underbrush and tobacco. This is a new blend for Brecciolino, as they now use more of their sangiovese to make a pure varietal bottling.

The cherry and black currant core is surrounded by cedar, sandalwood and leather accents, ending with stiff, burly tannins. Drink now through 2016. 750 cases made, 300 cases imported.