May 21, 2023 - Needed some time to breath but opened up with a lot of interesting aromas but the notes of iron were a little bit overpowering. Relatively little body, well-integrated tannins and still fresh in terms of acidity. I would say it's past its peak by 5-10 years but still very nice to drink, albeit a bit unbalanced.
April 14, 2021 - This was totally marvellous! Excellent cork, fill level into the neck. Decanted 30 min. Soft and developed with dark fruit marmalade, violets, cigar leaf, soft leather and chocolate. Tannins fully mellowed. Medium concentration, not too heavy. Very elegant Brunello that peaks right now and still has few more years ahead.
September 14, 2020 - Slightly corked? smell when open. Dark fruit (cherry, blueberry), spice, earth, leather, tobacco, good acidity. Not sure if this is slightly corked.
December 28, 2016 - Not much to add to my earlier notes. Still drinking well with no signs of oxidization. I like the clear delineation on the palate here which is not something often found in older Brunello vintages. At the same time this is not the most expressive Brunello I have had. Still very pleasant though
November 29, 2015 - Opened after the 01 Castelgiocondo Riserva and while this was an elegant a classic Brunello it lacked a bit concentration on the palate in comparison. Still nice nevertheless and not tired or oxidized.
July 15, 2015 - Very good, mature Brunello that is still holding up well. Consistent notes (see earlier TN), in terms of absolute rating would see it at at a slightly less enthusiastic but still very good 90-91 points
January 18, 2015 - This needs a good 1h decant to open up. Bottom neck fill, excellent cork condition, brick red with garnet core. Initially very muted flavors, with some earth, grilled meat and some oxidized notes on the nose, the wine gains a lot of fruit, herbs and complexity with more air. Fine to medium tannins. Medium to long finish. Excellent match to pasta with an oily bacon/chili and garlic sauce at home. Drink now. 92-93
December 31, 2009 - A couple times a year I am reminded of some of my "rookie" mistakes in buying wine. The mistake that hurts the most is the single bottle purchase of a great wine. And this was an incredible mistake given this wine. It has lived in at least five different homes, has been on moving trucks four times and was a prime candidate being too old.
In fact, it was clearly one of the top two or three bottles we consumed in all of 2009. A huge solid tannin backbone led me to believe this could last at least another five years. And the velvetty smoothness of the Sangiovese grape itself made us thrilled to have picked this to ring in the New Year. All I wish is that there were 9 or 10 more left (versus zero) in the cellar.
October 26, 2007 - Nice, if a bit austere.