| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Italy > Tuscany > Brunello di Montalcino |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
***2015 vintage - 98+ points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate***
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close to the glass with a deep and seductive display of black raspberry preserves complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains in volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. This greets the palate with undeniable elegance, casting velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries and sweet spices across a motivating core of juicy acidity, as a subtle coating of round tannins forms toward the close. While structured and incredibly long, energy remains high, as nuances of cherry pits offset by sour citrus and hints of cedar fade. It’s amazing to experience such energy and purity from a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As pretty as the Annata released last year was, I worried that the extended aging for the Riserva might rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead it is the complete opposite, as this contains the depth and complexity of the best wines of the vintage. I can’t wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next several decades. 2023-2040.
***2004 vintage - 94 points, Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate***
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is impeccable and classy. Ripe red fruits, flowers and minerals are some of the nuances that emerge from this fresh, vibrant wine. The fruit remains incredibly youthful and pure all the way through to the finish. This is a surprisingly supple, fruit-driven style of Riserva from Biondi-Santi, and with time in the glass the reluctant bouquet finally emerges. Some of the explosiveness of the best vintages (such as 2001) is missing, but the wine nevertheless impresses for its finesse and impeccable overall balance. The 2004 Riserva looks to have a long life ahead of it, but it so harmonious that opening a bottle in its youth, while not optimal, is far from infanticide. 2014-2034.
***1995 vintage - 96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate***
The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to a dark garnet appearance and shows more visible concentration compared to the other library selection vintages presented at this tasting. The bouquet is broad and far reaching in character with dried blackberry and plum followed by savory tobacco and spice. This vintage is fleshy, rich and powerful. It offers balanced tertiary aromas, but they are not the protagonist, and that sense of impeccable balance serves as a measure of how well this wine has held up over time. 2019-2035.
