Our guest speaker was Matt Woo, Territory Manager at Halpern Wine.
The Wines
Note: Prices noted as of date of purchase
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $59
“Deep red-ruby. Aromas of balsamic red cherry, blueberry, licorice, dried flowers and sweet oak. Suave and rather soft on entry, then nicely stuffed with energetic red fruit and sweet spice flavors in the middle. The broad finish features smooth oak tannins and a ripe fleshy mouthfeel. Made from a vineyard at higher altitude than those from which owner Andrea Cortonesi makes his standout Uccelliera Brunellos: in the warmer weather conditions of 2009 it's richer and riper than usual.” Ian D'Agata, Vinous 91+ pts.
Sassetti Livio, Pertimali, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $50
“You might find the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino listed under the brand name “Sassetti” or you might find it listed as “Pertimali.” At any rate, the wine is born from the same estate located in the northern half of the appellation. This expression leans toward evolved aromas of green olive, brown sugar and candied fruit with easy tannins that make for a soft and yielding mouthfeel. This is not an overtly complex Brunello, but it does feel coherent given the warmer context of the vintage.” Drink: 2016-2019. Monica Larner, www.robertparker.com 88 pts.
Mocali, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $45
“Medium red. Black cherry, licorice, lavender and flint on the nose. Slightly medicinal flavors of dark fruits and licorice show moderate nuance but decent sweetness and plumpness of texture, although this seems a little chunky to me. Some tangy red berry notes emerge with aeration on the moderately long finish, providing needed definition and lift.” Ian D'Agata, Vinous 88 pts.
Casa Raia, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $97
“Mid ruby with orange tinges. Warm fruit nose with hints of fruitcake underlined by sweet oak notes. Modern but with real Sangiovese energy and almost tart acidity and fine gravelly tannins.” Walter Speller, Janis Robinson 16.5 pts out of 20.
Pecci Celestino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $51
No professional tasting notes available. Expect a polished, modern style with classic Sangiovese aromatics of cherry and leather and energetic acidity.
Castello Banfi Poggio alle Mura, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $95
“Bright red. Fresh violet, red cherry and strawberry on the fresh nose. Then smooth and juicy in the mouth, showing very good cut and clarity to the savory sour red cherry and small red berry flavors. Finishes saline and long, with juicy acidity. Very similar to the entry-level Brunello, but with a little more density and depth. I was pleasantly surprised by this wine's bright, fruity personality: it has none of the tarry, inky, peppery nuances that I usually associate with Poggio alle Mura, and it's probably the first-ever Poggio alle Mura Brunello that I actually like. Very well done.” Ian D'Agata, Vinous 90+ pts.
Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $47
“Capanna's 2009 Brunello di Montalcino impresses for its energy and verve, both hard to come by in this vintage. Bright red cherries, plums, smoke, tobacco and scorched earth jump from the glass. The tannins could use another year to soften, but I would prefer to drink the 2009 sooner rather than later, while the fruit retains its vibrancy and freshness.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 91 pts.
Villa I Cipressi 'Zebras', Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $64
“Dark red cherry, iron, white pepper, smoke and game flesh out in the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Zebras. Firm tannins give the wine its structure and overall tension, while there is no shortage of overall depth. The fruit will likely dry out before the tannins fully soften. Nevertheless, this is a solid showing from Villa I Cipressi.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 88 pts.
How the wines were ranked