Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie 2005

Deeper in color and darker in character than the standard bottling, the 2005 Madonna delle Grazie shows its single-vineyard identity clearly, black cherry, smoked meat, licorice and warm spice packed into a generously built frame. Structurally, this is a serious wine: the tannins are substantial and the body full, giving it a bold, outward-facing personality that stands in clear contrast to the more restrained straight Brunello. What's honest to say is that the complexity doesn't surpass the regular release, it simply moves in a different direction, trading delicacy for weight and presence. Those who prefer their Brunello expressive and full-throttle will find this deeply satisfying.