Brunello is considered to be one of the richest and most prestigious wines produced in Italy, largely due to its exclusivity. Our guest speaker for the evening (May 21, 2013) was Ben Hodson of Trialto Wines.
HOW THE WINES RANKED
THE WINES
2004 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli $99 “The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a big, strapping wine loaded with dark fruit, smoke, new leather and minerals. The Montosoli, from one of Montalcino’s top sites, shows considerable density and richness. The tannins build on the finish, rounding out a gorgeous Brunello that achieves a brilliant combination of power and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino $63 “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is the first Brunello oenologist Hans Vinding-Diers made from start to finish at Argiano, and it represents a significant stylistic shift in direction. Among the changes Vinding-Diers instituted are lower temperatures in fermentation, which have given his wines gorgeous, detailed aromatics as well as notable textural elegance. The medium-bodied 2004 Brunello di Montalcino possesses perfumed layers of sweet ripe fruit that flow gracefully onto the palate, where sweet notes of tobacco, leather and spices come to life, adding further complexity. Finessed tannins round out this beautiful Brunello that is more about elegance rather than sheer power alone. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino $64 “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino reveals sweet, open aromatics that meld seamlessly into a perfumed core of ripe red fruits. This is one of the more intensely scented, fruit-driven Brunellos of the vintage. The wine reveals superior density and richness in an engaging style. The softness of the tannins makes the wine accessible even today, yet the flavor profile is decidedly youthful. Readers looking for a measure of tertiary development will need to give the wine a few years in bottle. This bottling is made from the estate’s youngest vines. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino $69 “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is full-bodied and rich in its dark red fruit, mocha, spices and French oak. The wine reveals terrific density in a round style that is supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins. Warm notes from the oak give the wine an additional level of volume on the finish. In 2004 Mantengoli vinified the Brunello in rotary fermenters and wood uprights. The wine spent two years in French oak casks and barrels. Unfortunately I was not able to taste the top of the line 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Gemini, which was originally scheduled to be released next year. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino $44 “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino opens with earthiness, tar, leather and licorice that lead to a core of expansive dark fruit. This sepia-toned Brunello grows in the glass, adding multiple dimensions to its weighty frame but most of its appeal is up-front as the intensity trails off a bit on the mid-palate. Generous and beautifully-balanced, the wine offers outstanding poise and an elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 Poggio San Polo Brunello di Montalcino $64 “The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino possesses gorgeous density and richness in its dark fruit, sweet toasted oak, minerals, licorice and spices. This is an especially generous, Brunello that shows terrific energy and balance in a soft, approachable style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.” 92pts. Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Jun/09.
2004 Rendola Brunello di Montalcino $37 “Dark, rich and mouth-watering with brooding black heart. Aromas of black cherry, spice and smoke.” 88pts. Natalie Maclean, nataliemaclean.com.
2004 Verbena Brunello di Montalcino $47 “Bright, dark red with a pale rim. Slightly roasted aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry and sandalwood are lifted by a floral element. Rich and densely packed, with distinctly backward flavors of ripe red fruits, licorice and minerals perked up by intriguing pepper and floral notes. Much like the entry-level Brunello, this wine also developed tarry and peppery nuances with air. Finishes sweet and smooth, with a lingering note of orange zest. A somewhat chunky Riserva, but one that will gain in gracefulness with some bottle age.” 90 pts. International Wine Cellar, Jul/10.