This remains one of my favorite vintages in Montalcino, and it was indeed an important breakout year for the appellation in general. By the time this wine was released, one-fourth of all Brunello di Montalcino was being...
This remains one of my favorite vintages in Montalcino, and it was indeed an important breakout year for the appellation in general. By the time this wine was released, one-fourth of all Brunello di Montalcino was being sold in the United States alone. The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a very firm and tightly knit expression. Those dark fruit tones of blackberry preserves and dried cherry are woven directly into a thicker patchwork of spice, leather and cured tobacco. Fruit comes from old vines at the Il Poggione estate. This was the first wine produced in the estate's new winery and a great percentage of new oak was used as a result. Now more than ten years after the harvest, those oak aromas have slowly morphed into perfumed rose and potpourri-like characteristics. This wine is drinking beautifully right now. - Monica Larner