1998 Il Colle Brunello di Montalcino

[hotwine]

A very clean wine with no cloudiness or sediment, but a very aromatic cork by way of introduction. Dark fruit. Pencil shavings. Musty spices. Good depth of character that evolves on the palate. Lip-smacking finish that's all too short. With chicken & mozzarella ravioli in a basil & tomato sauce, steamed broccoli on the side with a green salad. 13.5% alc/vol and about $22 at Costco. Brunellos be good! (but so do Barolos & Barbarescos.)

[hotwine]

Still bright ruby in the glass, no cloudiness but some sediment now. Great nose as before, same on the palate. But this bottle was caught just in time, as the cork showed substantial leakage due to heat damage prior to purchase in '05. Have one more and will finish it off soonest in case it's also compromised.