2008 Biondi-Santi (Tenuta Greppo) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
The fruit for the Riserva comes exclusively from the oldest vines at the estate. Aged in Slavonian oak for three years. La Storica refers to bottlings aged in the winery cellar for later release. Mid garnet in colour and impressively complex already on the nose, it is earthy, with a rich tobacco and dried floral character. Semi-dried red berries come through on the palate, which is silky and yields significant tertiary character already. Brightly acid and moreish, with admirable freshness, it perhaps lacks the intensity of the great vintages but is nonetheless an ethereal delight. (TP)
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a gorgeous wine, especially considering the year. In this vintage, the Riserva is a bit lithe and delicate, but all the elements are in the right place. Far from a massive or austere Riserva (by Biondi Santi standards!), I imagine the 2008 will open up earlier than some of the more structured surrounding vintages. Today, it is the wine's balance that stands out. Hints of orange peel, spice, mint and red stone fruits are woven into the lifted finish.
The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is endowed with substantial depth and resonance. Dark red cherries, plums, menthol, spices and new leather are supported by firm yet nicely integrated tannins. Readers should plan on giving the 2008 at least a few more years in bottle. Still, within the context of Biondi-Santi, the 2008 Riserva is showing well today .
Trademark medium ruby. Just a little dusty and peppery, but otherwise pretty much closed. Dark, savoury edge, iron! Not making any concession to popularity. Slowly emerging cherry fruit. Backward on the palate too. Very tight and closed, but with real precision between fruit, acidity and firm tannins on the finish. Too young to approach now, but a real monument. (WS)