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Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1990 | 1988 | 1986 | 1985 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 |
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". . . counters bold Cabernets with a soft sophistication and subtle nuances at a reasonable price point."
Cherry and tobacco nose; dark flavours with fullness and structure. * * * *
Very impressive for the vintage. Rich and colored, with good fruit. Full, velvety and round. Best after 2008.
This is the current release of this wine for Castello Banfi. Very pretty and appealing, warm, ripe and fleshy, a little exotic… gushing with flavors of macerated black and red currants and raspberries permeated by spiced black tea; very earthy and minerally, a little rooty… bastions of oak and tannin but well-balanced between plushness and austerity. Now through 2014 or ‘16 to 2020. From an exemplary year in Tuscany, the best since 1997. Excellent.
...showed very well, with generous aromas of ripe berries with floral notes and licorice nuances opening to tart cherry flavors with spicy, complex nuances wrapped in a robust texture with silky tannins and a well-balanced finish. Try it with veal chops. RECOMMENDED
Color: dark ruby red. Aromas: forest berries, cloves and cigar box. 93
"Earthy nose with velvety rich sweet-dry cherry fruit on the palate.
“…a deep ruby - almost opaque - wine, soft and aromatic and ready to drink now. There are layers of dried cherry, fresh forest berries, anise, cedar and toasted oak. Full-bodied and chewy, firm tannins and a long finish. One of the best Brunellos in the tasting.”
"Fresh, aromatic and herbal, sweet, oaky notes. A big mouthful, squashy berry fruit with darker notes of liquorice and eucalyptus, big tannins. 2-5 years." * * * Recommended
"Deep red-ruby. Plum, cherry, cola, sassafras and menthol on the nose. Supple, spicy, dense and classically dry, with insidious concentration; this is stuffed with material. Very suave Brunello, finishing with fine, sweet tannins and very good length." 91
“Loads of blackberry, currant and toasted oak. Full-bodied, chewy and rich. Long finish. This is big and rich. Best after 2009.” 93
“Beautiful layers of cherry-berry, anise, menthol, cedar, minerality and damp clay form an intense and elegant whole. Medium structure with earth, tea-like flavors and a mélange of berries preface a smoky, spicy finish.” 91
“The color of this wine is deep, almost opaque. Ripe dark fruits with mineral and spice accents distinguish the nose. The flavors are richly textured, soft and supple with good length and firm tannins. This is a powerful wine that shows very good promise.” 92
This was one of the most appealing wines of the selection. The nose had very attractive notes of violets, cherries and even some spice. On the palate the Brunello was juicy, fruity and very vibrant, and matched well with a balanced acidity. I believe this is a rather good wine.
“Great Tuscan reds make great age-worthy cellar selections, and this wine’s depth of flavor and acidity will carry for years.”
“Very, very good -- with aromatic red and blackberry leading the way, expertly layered with cedar, spices and toast. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years.”
“Dark roasted coffee bean, dark fruit aromas.” 94
“The first sniff is all black cherry jam, but then you notice interesting aromas beneath all the fruit – leather and wild mushrooms, a hint of sandalwood. Tate it and the black cherries are there, strengthened by a suggestion of blackcurrant. You sense the tannins a few seconds later, drying the wine, but the ripe fruitiness returns, smoothly enveloping the flavours.”
“The color, with a red edge and a black core, shows this to be as modern as the soft tannins also suggest. At first, it feels pushed, the red currant and violet scents imposed over the structure. But with air, it settles into a delicious, gentle Brunello. Decant it now for braised short ribs, or cellar it a few years.” 89
“Fresh cherry, tea and cedar aromas. Delicate flavors of cherry, tea and nutmeg laced with fine tannins. Lingering sweetness in the close with cedar, citrus peel and black pepper accents.” 93
“High extract, chocolate and charred oak. Very soft attack, juicy, very rich and full bodied. A real mouthful, creamy finish, liquorice on finish. Up to 4 years.” * * *
“. . .a darn good one, with tobacco, citrus and herbs on the nose. Runs a bit simple and grapy on the palate, but it’s overwhelmingly ripe, healthy and full-force. Nothing tricky here, just clean cherry, plum and chocolate flavors sitting comfortably on a medium-to-full frame.” 90
“It shows ripe cherry, blackberry, currant and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, currant and vanilla are laced with good acidity and fine tannin and finish long and medium-broad. Still tight, it will benefit from another five years in the bottle which will allow it to develop and open. A modern style, well balanced, structured, and integrated Brunello.” Very Good.
“Banfi's flagship wine continues to stand out as one of the best Brunellos on the market. The 2000 vintage had weather challenges, but careful grape selection allow Banfi to make a balanced wine with full body, extracted fruit and soft mouthfeel.”
“Extremely perfumed, with raspberry, blackberry and toasty oak character. Full-bodied, with round, velvety tannins and a lovely finish. Slightly hollow midpalate. Nice. Best after 2005.” 89
“A bit pricey but good Brunellos always are. Deep in color, warm on the nose, it is full bodied and extracted but the silky tannins make it ready to drink now or easily age for eight or more years. Excellent and in my cellar.”
“The year was not the easiest in Tuscany, but Banfi produced a luscious yet deeply earthy and minerally Brunello that keeps the alcohol to a sensible 13.3 percent while super-sizing black currant-cherry-raspberry fruit to succulent voluptuousness. Smoke and licorice pour from the glass; the wine, despite its luxurious nature, is intense and concentrated, given deep grainy gravity from tannin and two years in oak, 50 percent French barrels, 50 percent Slovenian casks. It could age until 2008 or 2010. We drank this with lasagna filled with bechamel and a Bolognese sauce.” Excellent
“Ripe cherry nose, with rounded fruit, underlying oak on the palate, and a firm finish. Drink up to 2015.” * * * *
“Rich, dark and muscular, with deep, jammy aromas of plum and blackberry. It’s a ripe, sizable mouthful, yet it has some true-life edges to it. Drink now through 2009. Treat yourself to this true beauty.”
“Aged for up to four years, including a minimum of two years in oak barrels, this is a robust and powerful wine. It’s seductive with brooding power, but it’s very friendly.”
“While this is a more modern style. . . it's a sure crowd pleaser with its smoky cherry and little-red-berry flavors.”
“. . .one of the top Brunello wines with its plum, rose-petal and spice aromas and delicious fruit and spice flavors.”
“Deep garnet colour with sweet vanilla oak and meaty notes on the bouquet. A big wine, with good entry, flavours and weight.” Wine of the Week Very Good/Excellent
“The incredible concentration of dark fruit—plums, cherries and blackberries follow through to an extremely rich full-bodied palate in this wine with a thick and silky tannin structure. The long layered finish has notes of tobacco, roasted coffee, and black olives. Enjoyable now with aging potential up to 10 years.”
“Deep garnet colour with sweet vanilla oak and meaty notes on bouquet. A big wine, with good entry, flavours and weight.” 86
“Still closed, but it has strong varietal and regional character of black cherry, tar and a hint of clove. Needs at least 5 to 10 more years, but a great aging wine. Try now with grilled meats. Best decanted for an hour.” Exceptional
“. . .an incredibly rich wine with tremendous concentration of berries and smoky spices on the finish. It is layered with great complexity and enough tannins to warrant cellaring for a couple of years. It will age effortlessly for 15 years and improve.” 96
“Full-bodied, with excellent balance between remarkably soft tannins considering its youth, lightly smoky wood, and layers of intense berry, red currant and black cherry fruits, all leading to a long, spicy and mineral rich finish. Approachable but best from 2006-2015.” 93
“Extraordinarily rich, a perfect marriage of full-bodied flavors and balanced tannins. This is a supple yet very expressive wine, featuring dark fruit, mineral accents, and long flavors.” 93
“Ripe, fruity perfumed oak. Sweet oak, morello cherry fruit. Will improve.” Silver Medal
“Full bodied and complex with flavors of cassis, coffee, tobacco, leather, and dark fruit.” Red meats.
“Impressive saturated ruby, extremely dark for Brunello. Brooding aromas of dark berry syrup and licorice; distinct hints of surmaturité. Then big, broad and extremely unevolved; highly concentrated by currently monolithic, and not really displaying its fruit. Finishes with big, chewy but ultimately rather fine tannins. Impressive in a modern style, but is this too solid for its own good?” 90 (+?)
“Nose closed, touch of truffle. Intense fruit palate, fine tannins and good concentration. Medium-length finish. 5-10 years. Lay down.” Recommended * * *
“Brilliant ruby red hue. Black cherry, oak, sage and thyme aromas. Medium-full with excellent depth of fruit, this is a beautifully balanced Brunello with nice depth of ripe fruit, perfectly balanced tannins, nicely integrated oak and lively acidity. Nicely made in a modern, but restrained style. 6 Yrs + from 2004-04-01.” Exceptional 92
"Brunellos are never cheap, so don't be shocked by the price for this consistently reliable Italian beauty. Intense, ripe blackberry and plum fruit abound in the Sangiovese with full body and a rich, silky texture. This wine will improve with age."
"Rich, dark and muscular, with deep, jammy aromas of plum and blackberry. Banfi toes the line between modern and traditional, and this wine fits their model perfectly. It’s a ripe, sizable mouthful, yet it has some true-life edges to it. Drink now through 2009." 91
"The wine shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with good hints of black cherry and plum followed by aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice, tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla and hints of eucalyptus. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, robust tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. A well made wine that will give its best with some years of aging in bottle. This Brunello ages for 24 months in cask. Food match: Game, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese." 4 Diamonds 1 Star
"A wine with an incredible concentration of fruit, supported by soft and silky tannins. Banfi is one of the region's best." 94
"A radiant, brilliant ruby. Just translucent. Fresh ripe cherry, raspberry and violets lead the aromas, but the underlying tobacco and black truffle notes slowly grow and blend with the sweet fruit. Round ripe and full, but not heavy on the palate. The flavors are seamless and refined moving effortlessly from bittersweet cherries; to pungent tobacco; to sweet raspberry; to black pepper; to blueberries; to warm spices. The finish at this early stage is dominated by sweet dark fruits and round, integrated tannins."
"Bright deep ruby red-light purple with an aroma of ripe black cherry, violets, plum, a hint of sage and oak. Medium-full with very good to excellent concentration. Rich, ripe fruit with plenty of new oak, full and firm tannins and lively. A bit disjointed now, but plenty there. This should have 10-12 years life ahead of it without a problem." ****
". . .shows an incredible concentration of fruit, with loads of berries and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and lots of smoky character and a long finish. And easy to find in the U.S. Best after 2005." 94
"A reserved nose leaning more towards earth rather than fruit, and then there are flavors of bright red and black cherry, tar, earth and even more beautiful, ripe fruit through the long finish." 93
Barrel Sample: "Very dark, almost inky. Terrific fruit with some coffee and vanilla. Very fresh perfume, good structure with nice acidity and fine tannins. Lovely balance. Very high alcohol (over 14%), currently masked by lots of fruit. A wine for Robert Parker." Excellent+
“. . .smells of honey, smoke and prunes and in the mouth delivers a rush of bitter cherries, violets and spicy pepper, and a big blast of acidity. T-bone steaks, roast meats, game or casseroles will enjoy its Sangiovese sunshine.”
“For Brunello di Montalcino, 1998 Castello Banfi has serious depth and complexity and a decade-plus ahead of it.”
“Castello Banfi’s introductory Brunello is a fairly straightforward wine. Roasted meat, coal dust, plum pudding and bitumen are overlaid with bright red cherry fruit. A reasonably approachable palate (for a Brunello) with rounded tannins, subdued acidity and medium-bodied fruit—the emphasis is on elegance rather than power. Tracks down the palate gracefully and finishes with a twist of bitter herbs….”
"Dry, full-bodied, heavy tannin, high acidity drink in 2-12 years. Banfi’s done more for Brunello’s reputation than anyone. With fabulous brambleberry- and mineral-filled wines like this." ***
"Deep black cherry ruby with black highlights and some blackish highlights in the rim, which is white. The bouquet is fairly young, with a mixture of brambly cherry and forest berry fruit supported by sour notes and balsamic overtones, with some underbrush as well. Harmonious, but in a fairly direct key. On the palate it’s full and quite smooth, with fairly intense slightly sour cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that have some cedary notes and hints of pencil shavings, and lead into a fairly long warm finish with sour cherry overtones and brambles. It’s pleasant, and accessible, and will drink nicely with red meats or stews; because of the acidity that carries through from beginning to end it will also be a nice bet with fattier fare, for example lamb (both roast and lamb chops off the grill)." **
" It has the typical dry cherry fruit but with some warm earthy-woody notes. The fruit on the palate is richly intense and the fat tannins that balance it so well make this a wine that will pay big rewards in the future. I also tried this with a spicy spaghetti sauce and like a true aristocrat it performed well. Drinking it was really a case of vinous infanticide since 10 to 15 years of cellaring would be more appropriate." * * * ½ to * * * * ½
"The deep purple color leads to complex, subtle aromas of plums, black cherries and anise followed by big, chewy flavors of ripe plums, black cherries and oak with firm tannins." Recommended
". . .has rich textured cherry, plum, currant and blackberry flavors complicated by nuances of exotic spice, mineral and vanilla-oak and a long, flavorful finish. This aristocratic wine would go especially well with beef tenderloin, lamb or duck."
"The Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is the wine all others aspire to be. This wine is made from 100 percent Sangiovese and aged two years in oak barrels and two additional years in the bottle. The bouquet shows hints of licorice, black cherry, pepper and earth. The flavors of spice, ripe plum, tobacco and red and blackberry fruits come through to reveal a full-bodied, complex wine. This wine will age for seven to 10 years and will pair well with grilled steaks, osso buco, or any hearty red-sauce pasta dish. Expensive, but worth trying on your next special occasion."
"Deep ruby hue. Cedary aromas of plum, blueberry, tobacco, coconut, and iodine. Concentrated, very youthful flavors of tart cherry, cedar and soy. Compact close shows red fruit and earth." 90
"Expensive, but a classic example of Sangiovese concentration without oak or huge weight. Classic tea, black cherry and herb notes; silky yet still built for another decade. Try with grilled meats, tomato-sauced dishes or age it." EXCEPTIONAL
"Compared to the Banfi Brunellos of 1997 and 1999 (tasted at the winery but not to be released for another year), the 1998 Brunello would appear to be a misfit. It’s softer and more accessible than the other two, but that might not be such a bad thing. This vintage didn’t produce the power of the other two, but it has charm and will be ready to drink much earlier, if not tonight. It would be a mistake to look askance at the ’98 just because the ’97 and ’99 are behemoths." 91
"Full ruby-red. Blackberry, smoky oak and an animal note on the nose. Moderately intense but slightly dry-edged and clenched; seems dominated today by its structure. Finishes with peppery, drying tannins, decent persistence and an herbal edge. Offers good clarity of flavor but only modest flavor development." 86
"A touch earthy, with juicy cherry and hints of mineral and tar. Supple tannins."
"1998 was a very good vintage in the Brunello area with well-balanced and structured wines which are still tight. You should drink the 1997s before the 1998s (and 1996s), and the 1998 is no exception. It spent two and one-half years in oak: 90% French barriques and 10% Slavonian casks. Aromas of coffee, chocolate, black cherry and blackberry and a hint of oak repeat as nice bright flavors with some added pepper all laced with lots of tannin and plenty of somewhat tart acidity. The finish is medium-broad and medium-long and shows some alcohol at the end. This is a big, bold, heavily extracted, in your face Brunello which needs time to smooth out and drink well. If you give it three to five years to develop, open and moderate the tannins, it will be smoother and broader." Nice.
"...one of Tuscany's best year after year. Loaded with dense fruit, it has a round profile with well-integrated fruit of blackberries and plums. Clearly it is a wine whose immense profile will not evolve for another decade."
"Loads of minerals and dried flowers behind the ripe fruit and almost raisiny character. Full-bodied, with smooth, silky tannins and a long fruity, berry, almost fresh herb aftertaste. An exceptional wine. Best after 2004." 92
"Not yet ready to drink; but still a lot of fun trying. Deep, dark fruit fills the mouth while hints of anise and earthy leather notes converge on the finish. Try with lamb marinated in balsamic vinegar."
"Deep sensuous aromas of wood, toast, ash and chocolate, followed by flavors of blackberry jam and accents of roasted coffee bean, licorice and hazelnut."
Prestige C: medium/full bodied, velvety tannins; rich, long finish A: anise, black cherry, earth, leather F: leather, dark cherry, earth P: grilled porterhouse with roasted potato Key - C: General Characteristics, A: Aromas, F: Flavors, P: Pairings or Product Use
"Medium/full bodied, velvety tannins; rich, long finish. Aromas: Anise, black cherry, earth, leather. Flavors: Leather, dark cherry, earth."
"This is a world-class wine from an outstanding vintage! Large in scale but impeccably balanced, it boasts luxurious dark berry, chocolate, cassis, and mint with firm tannins. Mocha and licorice chime in on the long, elegant finish. Made to age gracefully, it will continue to improve for many years, but is hard to keep your hands off now. Simply outstanding... Wow!"
"This intense Italian red showed orange peel and black licorice in the aroma, along with a slight, ripe fruity sweetness. Plum flavors gave way to jammy fruit and spice. For Sangiovese lovers, this is an extraordinary wine."
"Lavender and tobacco, plums, cranberries and raspberries pour from Castello Banfi's Brunello di Montalcino '97, a deeply spicy wine that submits, after a few minutes, to a tide of chewy tannin. Drinkable now with excellent potential in three to five years."
92
"Best vintage of this wine yet. It is fleshy and ripe, with excellent balance and length. In aroma/flavor, it tastes of plum, red currant, dried flowers, toast and oak. Long finish." ****+
"Creamy black fruits with hints of tobacco. Dry with good acidity and balanced tannins." ****
"Huge amounts of tannin and acidity seem to create a vortex that draws the flavors inside, and holds them there for minutes before letting them go again. It's worth the wait for that delicious, earthy, red raspberry fruit, but it's better to give it some time to settle down; this has a very long life ahead." 92
"...a hugely concentrated, wood-dominated wine with powerful smoky aromas and concentrated black, ripe, chunky fruit. It's heavy on the berries, both in the rustic, brambly nose and on the deep, tight, classy palate. Toasty flavors come through the fruit, but these will soften and blend in with aging. Unlike many Brunellos, this one is drinkable right now, but could be cellared for 10 or more years." 92
"Very dark garnet with saturated purple hues. Penetrating aromas of underbrush, sweet tobacco and wild mushroom. Quite juicy, but also sumptuous and deep, with rich flavors of mocha, espresso and anise over a firm mineral backbone. There is no evidence of excess weight in spite of the wine generous structure. The long close features glossy tannins and a flavor of cassis. At once powerful and elegant. " 97
"The Sangiovese Brunello grapes make for a deep, rich wine with complex aromas that include blackberries, mint, coffee and plums."
"Ruby red, cedar, cherry, tobacco, rosemary aroma. Medium-full to full body with very good concentration. Big, elegant finish with harmonious tannins and layers of flavor. Very elegant, this is enjoyable now and should be even better with another 10-12 years." ****
"A standout from a stellar vintage; enjoyable now, but better by decade's end."
"I tasted Banfi's spectacular 1997 Brunello di Montalcino alongside 1997 Brunellos from 16 other producers. Banfi's 1997 has an enticing tobacco and raspberry scent, rich fruit flavor, and more body than most of the other wines. There is a firm texture on the palate without any of the acidity or aggressive tannins that some of the other 1997 Brunellos possess. Banfi's 1997 Brunello di Montalcino puts to rest the old idea that wines from this area have to be cellared for decades before being drinkable, yet maintains the tradition of making a wine that will develop greater complexity over the years."
"A Brunello for everyone. Solid and focused, with mineral, blackberry and licorice character. Full-bodied and very chunky, with lots of round tannins and a long, long finish." 94
"This "big, almost chocolaty" Brunello is a rare combination for wine lovers: easy to find, consistently classy, and true to the Brunello character. That means palate-coating tannin but with dense fig and mocha flavors. The whole package comes across as big but balanced..."
"...this intense and deep wine shows off with luxurious berry, cassis and mint flavors and aromas. After three years in large Slovenian oak casks, this full-bodied, elegant and luxurious wine has flavors that linger seemingly without end." 94
"Inky with purple rims. Smoke, tar, tobacco, leather. Silky tannins, lovely acidity. Great length and lovely mouthfeel. Tremendous fruit." Excellent+/Outstanding
"Still in Slavonian oak casks when tasted and will spend time in new French barriques. Toasty sweet oak nose, with underlying black fruits. Big, powerful, very concentrated black fruit flavors. Very young, very promising, a potential blockbuster." 93-95
"Big oaky red with firm tannins. Quite a dense and complex wine with violet, cedar and dried spice characters. Very serious wine that needs plenty of cellaring." 91 * * * *
"Plenty of fruit and soil, classy and charming. Quite young. Very Good/Delicious."
"The result of painstaking clonal research, this robust Sangiovese exhibits a pedigreed depth of opulent berry fruit with supple and elegant tannins through a lingering finish."
"Clear dark red... with dried cherry, rose petal, anise, jasmine tea and leather aromas and taut acid and tannins." ***+
"Dark inky hue with brick red edge. Mixed aromas of black cherry, tar, bacon fat and mushroom. Rich, developed flavors of prune, fennel, vanilla and smoked bacon. Long, powerful finish." 90
"On the nose, the wine has an earthy, complex bouquet. There's a hint of spice, strawberry and licorice on the palate and lingers in the finish."
"This is a gorgeous wine that exemplifies what Brunello is all about: bright and tangy with lush, rich texture and deep, long fruit."
"Full. Dry. Forward black-cherry and pepper aroma, good texture, concentrated flavors, full tannins; long balanced finish." *** Excellent
"Brunello is considered the king of Italian wines, and Banfi's version deserves the coronation. A rich royal red, this wine has scents of coffee, licorice, mocha, black cherry and dried fruit on the nose. The soft tannins balance the deeply concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors and the mocha returns on the palate to put a lovingly smooth finish on the wine."
"Exceptional - This is a soft, velvety, plump wine that exhibits pleasing aromas of violets, plums, leather and tobacco. A Brunello for today..." 90
"Nice and full wine with lovely fruit, soft and integrated tannins. Elegant and balanced." Excellent
"Spicy nose, with herbal notes, fresh, lively and evolved, even a raspberry note. Sleek, elegant, concentrated fruit with soft tannins, very friendly and drinkable." 90-92
"Black almandine ruby with black highlights and some brick in the rim. The bouquet is more restrained than that of the 93 at first swish, with some balsamic and savory notes, but not much in the way of fruit; with more swishing dried leaves and underbrush also emerge, as do brambles, but it remains grounded in the more tertiary end of the aroma spectrum. Harmonious in a mature key. On the palate it’s full, with fairly rich cherry and forest berry fruit that gains definition from sour cherry overtones and is supported by smooth velvety tannins that lead into a fairly long finish that again gains life from a certain sourness. To be frank, 1995 is a slightly weaker year, and the wine reflects this. This isn’t to say that it’s a bad wine, quite the contrary, and because it’s from a weaker vintage it’s more accessible than something from a more powerful vintage would be, and also more mature. In short, though you could set it aside for another 3-5 years, I’m not sure how much it would improve, and at present it will contribute nicely to a meal built around a porterhouse steak or a roasted leg of lamb." **
"A big, full-bodied, maturing red that bridges traditional and modern tastes. Very complex roasted herbs, oak, earth and rich dried-fruit aromas are topped with sweeter new oak, cocoa."
"Dense aromatics with black plum, game, leather, menthol, oak and anise notes open this full-throttle red. The palate shows impressive depth of flavor with tart plum and bitter chocolate notes, as well as fine fruit to acid balance. The long, dry, even finish wraps it up beautifully with black fruit and bitter chocolate notes." 92 - Cellar Selection
"The wine is deep ruby shading to cherry on the rim, and has a clean, elegant bouquet that's quite fresh, with tart cherry fruit supported by violets and wild flowers, and underlain by underbrush and hints of cedar. Quite elegant. On the palate it's rich, full, and smooth, with powerful cherry and blackberry fruit mingling with black currants, and all supported by sweet smooth tannins that lead into a long clean cherry fruit finish. An elegant wine that privileges finesse over power, and will work nicely with steaks, roasts, stews, or braised meats. Well worth seeking out..."
"A classy and age-worthy wine with rich texture and deep, long fruit."
"Deep, ruby-black hue. Enticing scents of clove, plum and glove leather. Well balanced with ripe tannins, red raspberry and mocha flavors. Earthy, wild cherry notes in the youthful finish." 92
"...has coffee, plum violet, caramel, and oak on the nose. A big palate with lots of cherry, plum, red currant, flavors accented with coffee and mineral notes and a touch of oak all over a substantial amount of ripe tannins leads to a long and broad finish. The wine has excellent balance and structure and only needs another five years to begin to show well and it should drink even better in ten. So buy it now and put it away, you won't be disappointed."
"This is a fine red from Tuscany. It is big with a bit of earth on the nose, and cherry on the palate. Well structured; good acid and smooth silky tannins, long finish. A delightful wine."
"Dark color. Deep berry nose. Good fruit with some wood on finish."
"...complex and luscious, tasting of licorice, some grape, and a bit of vanilla and nuts." ****
"Fills your head with a deep, rich scent of Cubano cigar smoke, cedar and sophisticated berry fruit. Is not at all inhibited. It flashes its riches with a swagger, the very first sip is a wave of flavor, saturating every nook and cranny of the mouth with lush, concentrated, jewel-like fruit. The oak flavors add an expensive gloss of vanilla, an a silk-laid texture."
"Cellar worthy for at least 10-15 years. Classically structured. Rubenesque. Sturdy tannins and baked cherry pie flavors. ROBUST!" 5 Stars / 'Classic'
"General Qualities: Medium-full-bodied, complex, balanced acidity, strong oak impression, modest tannins. Color: Dark ruby. Aromas: Cherry, dried fruit. Flavors: Cherry, dried fruit, toasted nuts. Other Descriptors: Elegant, rich, smooth." ***
"Fragrant, nutty, herbal nose. Elegant, accessible, forward black fruit flavors." 89
"Chunky red, with aromas of berry, mint, cherry and wet earth. Full-bodied and velvety, it boasts lots of fruit and a long, minty finish. A delicious example of the quality to be found in the '95 Brunello vintage." 91 - Highly Recommended
"This generous, sumptuous wine is a supreme expression of the Sangiovese Brunello grape. While weighty with gravitas, dusty and very chewy with polished tannins, it's still awesome in fragrance and flavorful with violets, lavender, exotic spice, ripe roasted black cherry, raspberry and plum. Though it has plenty of structure in firmness and aging, it's overwhelmingly delicious now. Exceptional."
"...a world-class wine...full-bodied, yet delicate and smooth."
"Deep, inky, blackish-ruby hue. Forward, gamey, earthy aromas. A rich entry leads to a robust, full-bodied palate with grippy tannins and crisp acidity. Powerfully flavored, with a well-cut finish." 91
"This is definitely a wine to buy for celebrations to come, as well as one to enjoy now. (It will keep will for up to 20 years) Intense, mouthwatering aromas of toast and ripe raspberries with a hint of plum; a full-bodied, multilayered red with a clean, dry finish."
"Tarry, pruney, full and classic wood nose. Serious, full, rich palate, with prune, damson and coffee flavours." Recommended ***
"My favorite [Brunello di Montalcino]... the 1995 Castello Banfi, which had a meaty, earthy nose and lots of ripe fruit."
"This was huge, and was what I think of when I think of Brunello - dark as pitch, plum and berry fruit, wood and leather and dark chocolate and tea and tobacco flavors. A wine that stands up to you and demands respect."
"A very energetic '94 Brunello, this mouthfilling Italian red is medium- to full-bodied, with full, velvety tannins and a subtle character of spices, ripe fruits and earth that lingers for a long finish."
"...is made from 100% Sangiovese, the top grape in the region. The earthy complex bouquet, rich, spicy fruit flavors and velvet texture lingered pleasantly on the palate."
"Deep, saturated ruby-garnet hue. Attractive brown spice and mineral aromas. A firm entry leads to a moderately full-bodied palate with gripping tannins. Rich and stylish in a modern-leaning fashion." 90
"Don't judge this one too quickly. It takes an inordinate amount of time to open up. Very intense and tight, it's heavy with black fruit and licorice. Not as liberal as it may be down the line, it still sports a nice center of chewy fruit, offset by some sharp, astringent tannins. Good structure..." 88
"Simple and friendly nose, with black fruit aromas. Smoky tea flavors; plums and roasted nuts in the simple but tasty finish."
"...big and dry and intensely concentrated with plum dust, lavender, black cherry and exotic spice."
"Deep cherry almandine ruby with slight hints of brick in the rim. The bouquet is much more mature than those of the older higher tier wines, with pronounced leather mingled with leaf tobacco, and underlying sea salt with some spicy notes as well. The tertiary aromas have come to the fore, but the effect is not unpleasant, and the bouquet is nicely balanced. On the palate it’s full, and quite smooth, with rich cherry and forest berry fruit supported by smooth velvety tannins that gain definition from the faintest of burrs, and flow into a clean cherry laced finish that has some tart overtones mingled with slight sea salt. Though the nose isn’t doddering the palate has held better; in any case, it’s quite pleasant, and will contribute nicely to a meal built around grilled or roasted red meats or game, and will have something positive to say in the case of a succulent stew as well. Drink now." **
"An intensely structured wine currently dominated by the classic dry tannins of the ripe Sangiovese grape. Black cherries and bitter fruits support the structure, while the acidity brings balance. This will be a long-lived wine..." 92
"Extremely aromatic and pretty... it's a joy to drink now but will improve with age." 90 Points
"has a reserved but fragrantly fruity nose that, for the moment, belies the rich fruit waiting for you on the palate. **** to ****1/2
"Very well modulated, medium-full body. Gracious, soft and ripe, with good balance between fruit and tannins, especially in the finish."
"was a perfectly delicious wine - ripe, round and complex, despite the fact that the 1993 was not a spectacular vintage... it's worth every penny."
"Lots of berry and cherry flavors." 89
"This is the big one and from a strong vintage as well. Deep red in the glass and starting to show some orange tints, the bouquet is deep, warm and inviting. The big, mouth-filling flavour has spice, sweetness and fullness of ripe plummy fruit..."
"...a warm, earthy red with hints of cherry, chocolate and licorice. Like all the best Brunello, this wine packs plenty of flavor without being overpowering, making it an exceptional accompaniment to roast lamb or beef or any grilled meats."
"Bright garnet hue. Aromas of cherries and ripe plums with a woodsy, campfire nuance. Cherry-chocolate and strawberry flavors laced with peppery tannins and lively acidity." 93
"Deep blood red. Medium-bodied. Balanced acidity. Moderately extracted. Dried red fruits, minerals. Austere, dusty aromas follow through as expected on the palate. Taut and well structured, with an impression of lush dried berry fruits and softly extracted tannins. A modern style. " 86
"Prune, plum, leathery, licorice character with some dryness and leather on the palate." 90
"Good concentration for the vintage with berry and dried cherry aromas and flavors." 86
"evolving well with very fine complexity and finesse"
93 - Editor's Choice "Best of Tuscany" - Top 100 Selection
"Lush and generous" Wine Of The Month
"Big in color and a fine nose...Very attractive" ****
"Smooth, velvety, lush" 92 - Tasters' Choice
"A beautifully harmonious wine" 89
"Rich and fruity, depth and balance...Excellent" * * * *
"Bull's Eye Brunello" 91 - Cellar Selection
"An outstanding red wine" Maximize Wine Sales Selection
"A classic wine" 92
89
91 - Cellar Selection
90
"Outstanding" 90 - Spectator Selection
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