2004 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
A total seductress, the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino blends depths of crushed black cherry and autumnal spice with tobacco, worn leather and lifted hints of mint. This is soothingly ripe, displaying a pretty inner sweetness that only maturity can bring, with juicy acidity and masses of ripe cherry-berry fruits that sweep across the palate with ease. It finishes structured with a warming cherry liqueur sensation yet no sign of heat, leaving a tinge of tart cranberry and clove to resonate over a semblance of edgy tannins. This is a glorious interpretation of Southern Montalcino fruit—the first vintage that blended parcels from the highest to the lowest elevations of the region. It is a spectacular Brunello at the peak of its maturity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Aromas of beef stock and hung meat with dried tomato, balsamic, earth and an overall, very savory attitude. Some dried plums here, too. This is very complex. The palate has a succulent and fresh core of black cherries and plums, framed in layers of savory earth and meat flavors. The tannins unfurl majestically into the finish. Drink this now and for a decade, without question.
Uccelliera's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino packs a serious punch. Cedar, pipe, tobacco, dried cherry and menthol race out of the glass. Rich, explosive and super-expressive, the 2004 is going through a period of real brilliance right now. Even so, I would prefer to finish any bottles over the next few years, as the fruit is starting to dry out. Today, though, the 2004 is brilliant.
Good deep red with ruby highlights. Ripe nose combines currant, tobacco, chocolate and pungent spices. Silky-sweet and sappy, with an uncommonly suave texture and lovely floral lift. This really fills the mouth without leaving any impression of weight. The long, broad, rising finish sparkles with mineral dust. A superb example.