92 Points | International Wine Cellar , October 2009

($42) Saturated medium ruby-red. Intense aromas of rose, redcurrant, red cherry and sweet spices soar from the glass, complemented by a delicate hint of spicy tobacco. There's a lovely mineral lift to the redcurrant, strawberry and red cherry flavors that helps to extend the fruit through a long and very smooth finish, which is further enlivened by sound acidity. This is Stella di Campalto's best-ever Rosso, and a Brunello in everything but name. In fact, it is better than many 2004 Brunellos released this year. This estate is one of the brightest young stars of Montalcino. Although its first Brunello was the 2004, it was the consistently high quality of Stella di Campalto's first three vintages (2001 through 2003), in which she made only Rosso di Montalcino, that had alerted insiders to a potential star in the making. Di Campalto makes all her wine as if it were going to be Brunello, and once the wine is in cask the decision is made as to which will be Rosso and which Brunello. (Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY)

92 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate