2008 Cerbaiona Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Nora Tadros Molinari is at the helm of this much lauded Montalcino property, while her husband Diego recovers from a bout of poor health. More fortunate are the grapes that grow on alberese soils. The Molinaris have been there since 1977, gradually building up the reputation of their tiny estate through traditional practices. Autumn mulch on the nose. Sweet start and lots of vibration on the palate. Still very youthful and some very ripe fruit. But overall there's a certain delicacy. Before much chew on the finish. (JR)
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Succulent red cherries, dried roses, violets, tar and spices are some of the many notes that are woven together in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. Intensely perfumed, the 2008 shows many of the classic Cerbaiona signatures, even if it is a touch less polished than some of the recent vintages. At the same time, the 2008 has come together nicely over the last few years, so it will be interesting to watch what happens with further time in bottle. Dried rose petals and spices add complexity to the subtle, layered flavors. This is one of the stronger wines of the year.
Succulent red cherries, dried roses, violets, tar and spices are some of the many notes that are woven together in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. Intensely perfumed, the 2008 shows many of the classic Cerbaiona signatures, even if it is a touch less polished than some of the recent vintages. At the same time, the 2008 has come together nicely over the last few years, so it will be interesting to watch what happens with further time in bottle. Dried rose petals and spices add complexity to the subtle, layered flavors. This is one of the stronger wines of the year. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026. It’s always great to spend some time with Diego and Nora Molinari. The Molinaris may have slowed down a bit in recent years, but these wines prove they own one of Montalcino’s uncontestable grand cru sites. My visit this year ended with the 1989 Brunello di Montalcino. Nora Molinari told me this was the worst Brunello she and Diego had ever made. At one point, the Molinaris stopped selling the 1989 because they were embarrassed by the quality of the wine. Well, after 24 years, I can say the 1989 Brunello is gorgeous. No, it isn’t a great wine by this estate’s standards, but it has aged with superb grace. Suffice it to say, most producers would have been thrilled to have made a wine of this quality. Simply put, this is a great showing from Cerbaiona, one of Montalcino’s timeless classics. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
Succulent red cherries, dried roses, violets, tar and spices are some of the many notes that are woven together in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. Intensely perfumed, the 2008 shows many of the classic Cerbaiona signatures, even if it is a touch less polished than some of the recent vintages. At the same time, the 2008 has come together nicely over the last few years, so it will be interesting to watch what happens with further time in bottle. Dried rose petals and spices add complexity to the subtle, layered flavors. This is one of the stronger wines of the year. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026. ||It’s always great to spend some time with Diego and Nora Molinari. The Molinaris may have slowed down a bit in recent years, but these wines prove they own one of Montalcino’s uncontestable grand cru sites. My visit this year ended with the 1989 Brunello di Montalcino. Nora Molinari told me this was the worst Brunello she and Diego had ever made. At one point, the Molinaris stopped selling the 1989 because they were embarrassed by the quality of the wine. Well, after 24 years, I can say the 1989 Brunello is gorgeous. No, it isn’t a great wine by this estate’s standards, but it has aged with superb grace. Suffice it to say, most producers would have been thrilled to have made a wine of this quality. Simply put, this is a great showing from Cerbaiona, one of Montalcino’s timeless classics. eRobertParker.com.June, 2013
About the producer
A cult address for many Italian fine wine lovers, Cerbaiona is one of Montalcino’s top estates. The site has long been identified as special, but it was Diego Molinari who established its reputation. Today, Matthew Fioretti is at the helm, bringing the estate into the modern era.