The Wine of the Week: Mocali Brunello di Montalcino 2000

Just got back from the presentation of the 2000 Brunello vintage, and rather liked this wine. It's black almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim, and has an intense bouquet, with an initial rush of cherry fruit that's overtaken by rhubarb -- the honest-to-God pie -- and some graphite overtones, laced with some sugars. Big. On the palate it's full, and lush, with powerful cherry rhubarb fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a long clean rhubarb laced finish that has some herbal notes as well. Quite elegant, and an extremely effective expression of a fairly difficult vintage that will work well with grilled meats -- a steak or lamb chops that aren't too rare come to mind, or a roast. Worth seeking out, and though it won't be eternal it will age nicely for 3-5 years.
(Drawn from the Italian Wine Review) Tasting wines and setting up a tasting.