Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

Once again superb, if not quite up to a 100 pointer, it is an astounding example and with no reason to wait beyond a brief decant.

Not particularly impressive in the blind - blocky, lacking elegance, and clearly Italian. Had an inkling it was a Brunello given the group I was with. It did eventually reveal some delectable elements by the end of the night. Red-fruited and saline with some oaky spice, yet I felt its energy was drained by too much dry tannins, plum-ish and earthy characters. One to revisit, though my limited experience with this producer so far has been rather lacklustre.

Totally ready, rich nose of dark cherry, velvety palate with smoke and meaty notes, cherry pie, pipe tobacco vibe. Wow.

Finally opened my ‘03, it was wonderful! Aged in oak barrels for about 30 months, deep Ruby with ripe berry fruit aromas and hints of earthy floral scents. On the palate flavors of ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit with complex spice, licorice, tobacco, mushroom and cacao. Lively acidity with smooth developed tannins, smoky oak notes take this wine to a rich long finish ending with an earthy mineral character.

Supple and after 45 mins softer than a baby’s butt. At its apogee, this is a delicious and rich aged Brunello, with textbook notes of sour cherry and old saddle leather. Drink up.

A brooding nose of dark fruit with whiffs of tobacco, plum, dried wood. A thick and intense palate of pretty serious fruit. Young, but tasty stuff.

Evolving nose over 2 hours finally opened to cigar and spicy cherry. So primary, rich, unevolved. Leave this deep in the cellar for 5+ yrs. Will most certainly improve.

Ruby red in the glass with marked viscosity and bright fruit. Fig, cherry tobacco and sandalwood. A bit of a dropped finish slides this down a couple notches for me.

#sample high ABV, modern

raspberry bush, black cherry, rose oil, Mediterranean herbs ~ intense juicy tart n sour fruits that grow in the glass