2011 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Gianni Brunelli is one of my favorite producers, but this vintage does not live up to its past glory. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is thinner and shorter than I expected. This spectacular estate promises much more. The Brunello is fine and elegant, for sure and it does offer classic aromas of wild berry, blue flower and toasted nut that are characteristic of Sangiovese--but the wine speaks at a lower volume overall. Of course, the house style does tend to favor elegance and streamlined flavors. The difference here is that the wine's persistence is shorter. My guess is that it will flesh out further with a few more years of bottle aging.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is soft, pliant and open-knit, with good freshness and aromatic lift for the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red stone fruits and gently spiced notes wrap around the silky, mid-weight finish. In 2011, the estate's Brunello is a decidedly gracious wine that clearly benefits from combination of fruit from both the northern and southern sectors of Montalcino. The 2011 spent a bit more than two years in cask.
Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Expressive cherry nose with hints of candied fruit. Quite intense and ripe on the palate and with a supple finish with fine, powdery tannins. Long and elegant. (WS)
Subtle nose, tight structure, plenty of acidic refreshment. Lacking flavour ripeness and weight. (RH)