Dark raspberry jam, flowers, mint, spices and French oak all burst from the glass as the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto shows off its personality. Stacked to the core with fruit, the 2007 Cerretalto needs time to lose some of its baby fat, but it is undeniably appealing. The flashy, ripe style of the year comes through loud and clear on the voluptuous, generous finish. Cerretalto remains one of the most distinctive wines in Montalcino. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Giacomo Neri is brutally honest in describing 2008 as a challenging vintage marked by significant rain and hail events. Overall production is down 40% across the board. Neri’s 2008s are impressive for the year, however, and are a testament to a grower who is willing to make the hard choices necessary to ensure consistently high quality.Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405