Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi)
Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy
2005 was a challenging year for Tuscany, especially in Montalcino. Several days of raining (especially in March and September) interrupted the ripening of the grapes. Only the best vineyards, with south/south-east exposure, reached maturity. Among them, we can find Greppo, the single vineyard from Biondi-Santi estate. Biondi-Santi is the father of Brunello, the first bottle of one of the Italian flagship wines being bottled by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi in 1888. It is also the first DOCG in Italy. In short, it's history in a glass. We can be safe in assuming that, even in difficult years such as 2005, this producer will extract all the value in the grape.
The color, after 3 years in Slavonian oak casks and 14 years in bottle, is a beautiful garnet red with orange finishing. Beautiful, powerful. The nose starts with the typical notes of Sangiovese, rose, sour cherry, a hint of almonds, while age delivers tertiary flavors such as leather, tobacco, cedar. There are no gamey notes that can be found in older Brunellos slightly over their expiration date, a sign of the ability of the winemaker to make the most out of this difficult year. A subtle hint of vanilla completes the bouquet.
The first sip reveals a powerful acidity (maybe too much), probably a sign of the cold weather, paired with perceptible alcol level and smooth, refined tannins. The balance is almost perfect, alcol and acidity creating a wonderful pair, where mature tannins are able to perform at their best (medium-high acidity, medium alcol, medium-high mature tannins, full body).
The aftertaste is long, pleasant, offering taste of sour cherry and hints of tobacco. Lastly, we find again this subtle note of vanilla.
Biondi-Santi produced less than 40000 bottles in 2005, and we recommend to open them now, as this year is now at its peak. Difficult years require savvy hands to work the grape, and Biondi-Santi is one of the master in the art of winemaking.
2005 was a challenging year for Tuscany, especially in Montalcino. Several days of raining (especially in March and September) interrupted the ripening of the grapes. Only the best vineyards, with south/south-east exposure, reached maturity. Among them, we can find Greppo, the single vineyard from Biondi-Santi estate. Biondi-Santi is the father of Brunello, the first bottle of one of the Italian flagship wines being bottled by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi in 1888. It is also the first DOCG in Italy. In short, it's history in a glass. We can be safe in assuming that, even in difficult years such as 2005, this producer will extract all the value in the grape.
The color, after 3 years in Slavonian oak casks and 14 years in bottle, is a beautiful garnet red with orange finishing. Beautiful, powerful. The nose starts with the typical notes of Sangiovese, rose, sour cherry, a hint of almonds, while age delivers tertiary flavors such as leather, tobacco, cedar. There are no gamey notes that can be found in older Brunellos slightly over their expiration date, a sign of the ability of the winemaker to make the most out of this difficult year. A subtle hint of vanilla completes the bouquet.
The first sip reveals a powerful acidity (maybe too much), probably a sign of the cold weather, paired with perceptible alcol level and smooth, refined tannins. The balance is almost perfect, alcol and acidity creating a wonderful pair, where mature tannins are able to perform at their best (medium-high acidity, medium alcol, medium-high mature tannins, full body).
The aftertaste is long, pleasant, offering taste of sour cherry and hints of tobacco. Lastly, we find again this subtle note of vanilla.
Biondi-Santi produced less than 40000 bottles in 2005, and we recommend to open them now, as this year is now at its peak. Difficult years require savvy hands to work the grape, and Biondi-Santi is one of the master in the art of winemaking.
Frankly? I expected much more from it.
Frankly? I expected much more from it.
Dec 12th, 2017
Old fashion Classic BdM. I don't like at all....
Old fashion Classic BdM. I don't like at all....
Jun 9th, 2017
