2004 Brunello di Montalcino

Good deep medium red. Initially very reduced nose opened somewhat with aeration to show strawberry, raspberry and minerals, along with a lightly stewy quality. Then broad, powerful, deep and dry but youthfully imploded and unyielding in the mouth. The very tannic finish shows a saline element but also a piquant note of blood orange. A cipher today, and in need of a lot of patience.

Biondi-Santi's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is an intriguing wine. Silky, refined tannins frame a core of perfumed dark red fruits as this compact, linear Brunello opens up in the glass. This medium-bodied Brunello is in need of serious bottle age, but the potential seems there for the wine to develop nicely over the coming years. The estate's 2004 is not blockbuster, but rather a delicate, ethereal style of Brunello. It is also one of the finer wines made from this part of Montalcino in 2004.

Biondi-Santi’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is an intriguing wine. Silky, refined tannins frame a core of perfumed dark red fruits as this compact, linear Brunello opens up in the glass. This medium-bodied Brunello is in need of serious bottle age, but the potential seems for the wine to develop nicely over the coming years. The estate’s 2004 is not a blockbuster, but rather a delicate, ethereal style of Brunello. It is also one of the finer wines made from this part of Montalcino in 2004. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Biondi-Santi represents one of the most staunchly traditional approaches in Montalcino, and with good reason, as it is here that the original Brunello clone of Sangiovese was discovered. The estate favors long maceration times and extended aging in large, neutral casks. Importer: Shaw-Ross, Miramar, FL; tel. (954) 430-5020