Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

This Brunello strikes the balance between the dark aspects of Brunello and the bright berryishness of Sangiovese from a bit north in Chianti. Bright, ripe berries, spice, iodine, minerally gravel, new leather, and orange rind. Darker and lower-toned in the mouth than the nose suggests. Leather, earthy sandstone, and savory notes are prominent, but there’s dark ripe berry fruit too. A lot of tannin, but it’s quite soft and ripe, auguring for several more years of development. Really good length and balance.

Popped and poured; no formal notes. At this stage the 2011 BdM from Terre Nere is fully developed and luscious. Dark cherry fruit with some stewed qualities, kirsch liqueur, orange zest, herbs and espresso. The body is full and almost a bit chewy. Structure is firm but tannin is well integrated and comes across fairly round which is probably more of an indication of the vintage than anything else. Finish is long. This is a more rich and opulent version of this wine. Drink now and through 2030.

Opened about an hour before service. The 2016 Terre Nere (Campigli Vallone) Brunello di Montalcino pours a deep garnet with a slightly brownish rim. No signs of sediment. On the nose, this is very expressive and unabashedly Italian with funky red and dark fruits, black tea, dried green herbs, licorice. On the palate, oh yes…the wine is bone dry with medium++ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure is stunning. There’s loads on character on the palate too with ripe and wisened cherries, orange curaçao, dry earth, and dried herbs. The finish is long and immensely satisfying. A killer wine with a long life ahead. Drink now with some patience and through 2036

Popped and poured; consumed over four hours. Really expressive, primary notes of ripe cherries, anise and Herbs de Provence. On the palate it’s ripe cherries and cocoa. Lush texture. Tannins are still pretty stiff. Enough acid to keep things lovely. Looooong finish; lasts over 30 seconds. Drink now or Hold.

Earth notes come through nicely. Ample acidity and fruit on the palette with a hint of damp soil. Drinking well.

Potent syrupy nose of sweet cherry, sap and almost kumquat, like a maynards wine gum candy. Nice violets in there too, hint of dried thyme. Very sappy, candied palate but not medicinal or oaky, very voluptuous, balanced with reasonable acidity and good concentration for price. Good ready to drink representation of 09 at 42$ in montalcino.

Smooth light peppery afternoon sipping (Florence market wine bar, day 2)

Beautiful aromas of dark cherry, dried herbs and licorice. Cherry with hints of cocoa on the pallet. Pleasant texture, stiff tannins and long finish. Enough acidity to keep everything in balance.

Excellent balance of fruit and organics. Ripe cherry and dried herbs on the nose. Cherry, Mushroom, mint, rosemary with a touch of licorice and cocoa on the pallet. Smooth tannins after a short wake up aeration. Well made!

Definitely not better than 2010, but close. Some tobacco on the nose. Fairly chewy licorice mouth. A tad bit acidic. Solid.

92 points