2004 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino has developed beautifully. The tannins have softened, but there is tons of depth and intensity in the fruit. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, menthol and licorice add to a real sense of gravitas. Powerful and dense to the core, the 2004 shows the decidedly virile, imposing side of Sangiovese. Readers lucky enough to own the 2004 can look forward to another 10-15 years of exceptional drinking. In 2004, I have a slight preference for the straight Brunello as it has more energy, power and potential to develop in the future.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leather, liquorice, chocolate and menthol – lovely long eucalypt finish, sophisticated and dry and savoury. (RH)
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty, fragrant wine. Initially rather reticent, this medium-bodied Brunello needs some aeration for its perfumed red cherry fruit to open up in the glass. The wine offers good intensity and depth, but needs at least a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. There is a somewhat rustic soul to this wine but at the same time a genuineness I find appealing. With some time in the glass, the wine turns into a gem. The Brunello spent 30 months in 20-hectoliter casks. This terrific effort from Brunelli insures his legacy will live on.
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty, fragrant wine. Initially rather reticent, this medium-bodied Brunello needs some aeration for its perfumed red cherry fruit to open up in the glass. The wine offers good intensity and depth, but needs at least a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. There is a somewhat rustic soul to this wine but at the same time a genuineness I find appealing. With some time in the glass, the wine turns into a gem. The Brunello spent 30 months in 20-hectoliter casks. This terrific effort from Brunelli insures his legacy will live on. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Biondi-Santi represents one of the most staunchly traditional approaches in Montalcino, and with good reason, as it is here that the original Brunello clone of Sangiovese was discovered. The estate favors long maceration times and extended aging in large, neutral casks. Importer: DB Cellars/LAG Imports Llc., New York, NY; tel. (718) 620-6800