Fresh off his election victory but rolling toward the "fiscal cliff," President Obama knew just the right token to offer his Republican adversary, Speaker of the House John Boehner: a pricey birthday bottle of Brunello di Montalcino ('97 Poggio Antico.)
If wining your frenemy for the holiday sounds like a good strategy, this is a fine time to follow the Prez's vino lead. There are two other fantastic Brunellos on sale in Pennsylvania - each with distinctly different characters. Want a bottle that says "balance, subtlety, and finesse"? Go for Sasso di Sole's 2007 Brunello (discounted to $39.99 from $65), ripe and ready with a light kiss of cherry edged with dusky herbs, anise, good acidity, and a creamy finish that shines with a meal. For something more opulent, step back a year for San Polo's 2006 (marked down to $49.99 from $90.)
