The 2009 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino, aged in oak barrels for 36 months, has captivating bouquet of thyme, subtle barnyard, wood, figs and dried cherries on the nose and pomegranate, dried cherry and black olives on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, integrated wine; with excellent acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a long to extra-long finish. Though food friendly, enjoy this beauty by itself; drink from now to 2025 (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE, 94 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted July/15.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Nose offers smoky vanilla, herbs and spices. Very dry on the palate - cherry tobacco follows. It's thin to medium bodied and well knit. A good decant is needed to open this little devil up.

Nice wine with a peppery finish, but no way is it worth forty bucks.

Lean and quite acidic Brunello here from Velona. Tart cherry flavours, high acidity and a bit simple for $40. Will time improve this? Maybe but I wouldn't bet on it. Would have been a decent enough Rosso, but quite disappointing at this price. Tasted May 2016.