Brunello 2001 and 2004 retrospective tasting: just like with films
Two articles that help us enjoy the Brunello 2001 and 2004 guided by Eric Guido from Vinous and Monty Waldin from Decanter and the ratings are very high
Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne 2013 – Donatella Cinelli Colombini
by Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Two articles and two tastings to understand the evolution of Brunello, from a wine conceived to defy time to a wine that must associate longevity and youthful pleasantness. This is the passage from “Biondi Santi philosophy” to the new style in a large number of Montalcino producers.
THE TWENTIETH YEAR IS THE REVEALING ONE REGARDING LONGEVITY
Eric Guido, a super taster of Italian wines for Vinous, has tasted the Brunello 2001 explaining the reason behind such a choice <<So why twenty years? Why not ten or thirty? Because, in my opinion, it is the twenty-year mark that proves the potential of a Brunello vintage. At ten years, a classically structured vintage is still in its adolescent stages (think 2010). At thirty years, only the best wines will still be drinking well (think 1990). However, at twenty years, you can assess from a broad range of producers if the vintage is ready to drink now, drink soon, or continue to stash away in your cellar>>.
HOW THE BRUNELLO PHILISOPHY HAS CHANGED DURING THE LAST 20 YEARS
As has happened to me, during the last 20 years, many producers from Montalcino have gone through a great evolution. They have returned to a stronger rapport with the vineyard and to the use of larger barrels. The producers who had maintained a more traditional style even when the critics rewarded the Brunello aged in barriques and coming from vineyards in the warmer parts of Montalcino have been at an advantage.