Jan 2022: too much fruit and oak, on the verge of being off balance. 8.9 at this point. Dec 2023, another bottle, PnP: this one just awesome, very strong, nice balance, lots of fruit and oak, which is now fully integrated. Still a lot of potential for further aging. The rate is updated to well deserved 9.2 — 3 years ago
Probably held onto this bad boy a little long, as could tell it was just on the verge of turning… but still impressive. Earthy, dark cherry, plum dominated. — 3 years ago
Delicious and very Saint-Joseph! Fragrant nose is redolent of crushed granite, savory notes that verge into iodine, and bloody dark little mountain berries. Lean and chiseled in the mouth, with clingy savory flavors and nice acidity. There’s a fair amount of tannin but it’s medium soft and well integrated. Great value, as always with this producer. — a month ago
For under $20, never had a better CF: just gorgeous, elegant feminine expression starting w/brilliant dark ruby color - verge of opaque, generous red berried fruit w/smoky vanilla accent. Smooth luxurious on mid-palate, finely grained tannins, yet sturdy w/balance integrated acidity & tons of flavor. Modest length on finish only telltale sign of cost. Always pleased w/this NC winery. — 2 years ago
Very sweet. On the verge of too sweet. — 3 years ago
I fondly recall selling this wine during 2009/2010. Properly stored bottles will drink extremely well through the decade.
“2001
Le Chiuse
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
95
Eric Guido
Drink: 2021 - 2030
Tasted: Mar 2021
The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is slightly darker in color yet just as vibrant as the Annata sitting beside it. The Riserva blossoms with autumnal spices, tobacco and florals, giving way to a display of bright strawberry with flowery undergrowth. It’s enveloping and soft upon entry, with stimulating acids and tart red fruits that create a push-and-pull of sweet and sour, coming across as zesty and full of energy. Fresh cherry pits, licorice and inner rose linger over a nuanced layer of tannin. This gorgeous wine of tension is on the verge of peaking, with many, many years of pleasurable drinking in store for us. I can sit with this for hours. Sampled from the winery cellar.” — 3 years ago
Jeremiah Diaz
Deep ruby in color; cassis, blackberries, and graphite on the nose; high acidity; medium tannins; tastes like black cherries, berry jam, eucalyptus, and wet slate with a long finish. Nellie likes it with a steak. I love it. — 11 days ago