The 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a red wine produced from Sangiovese Grosso grapes in the Brunello di Montalcino sub-region of Tuscany, Italy. This vintage, bottled by Biondi Santi, showcases the potential of an under-the-radar year that has matured gracefully over time.

As reviewed by Monica Larner for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this wine has an impressive score of 97 points. Larner notes that the wine "comes from an under-the-radar vintage that has blossomed today," highlighting its remarkable aging potential. Describing the wine's deep garnet color and mid-weight concentration, she points out its "fresh acidity that remains firm and taut." The bouquet is a complex blend of "dried berry, forest floor and spice aromas" that intensify as the wine warms. She praises the wine for hitting the palate with "immediate brilliance and sparkle," calling it "a true beauty" that is "at its drinking prime right now."

Wine Spectator also gives the 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva high marks with a score of 94 points. This review highlights the wine's "beautiful perfume," which includes notes of rose, cherry, licorice, and tobacco. The wine is described as "elegant, delicate even, with fine harmony and refinement." Although it lacks the power of more celebrated vintages like 2001 or 1997, it compensates with "finesse and filigree." The reviewer, identified as BS, mentions that the wine should be at its best from 2018 through 2050, indicating its long-term aging potential. The wine's production was limited to 867 cases.

In summary, the 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a well-regarded wine with high praise from prominent reviewers. Its balanced acidity, complex bouquet, and elegant structure make it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a mature and refined Brunello di Montalcino.