The 2001 Bernaia was made by Riccardo Cotarella, who bottled the 1997 and 1998 Brunello fermented by other hands. Cotarella is departing in favor of Nicolo D’Afflitto. This wine is, to say the least, a horse of a different color: an inky ruby with potent cassis, vanilla, and clove notes from the Cabernet and the barrels; its sumptuous, ripe flavors, firm and silky tannins, and sweet and sensual close demonstrate impeccable winemaking. Impressive and a wine which will still be going strong in the middle of the next decade.
Importer unknown.