Dried strawberries and cedar on the nose. Smooth and resolved tannins lead to a punch in the throat of acidity and lingering notes of blood orange and chinotto. I mean that in a good way. Oddly moreish for such a big wine, though the bigness is really only felt in a touch of lingering heat on swallowing. Was worried as the cork crumbled on opening but it’s totally fine and in a nice place, I would guess unlikely to improve further.
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Purchased a couple of bottles of this a few years ago as MJ are one of my favourite Brunello producers. 2009 not billed as a great vintage and hence the suggested drinking window is a little shorter than normal for this wine. Opened and decanted for a couple of hours. Heady full and rich aroma with a little hint of age but it was on the palate that the wine truly delivered. Earthy and quite rich, tannins perfectly resolved, a little leather and aromatic black cherry fruit. Almost Barolo like in character. Drunk over three hours and the last glass was singing. Delicious wine, great value when purchased young and buried for a few years. I don't see any further development for this wine - perfect for drinking now and over the next year or two max.
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Lighter than expected, but well balanced and nuanced, nice leathery, earthy note to balance the red cherry and red plum fruit. Juicy and delicious on the finish.
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Generally not a great vintage, but this wine has exceeded many of its peers (at least the few I've tried). Needed a solid hour or more of air and the wine bloomed nicely. Not a heavyweight, but very nice with grilled chicken. I paid less than $30 for it a few years ago, so great QPR imho.
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Rather thin and light for a Brunello. I had hoped for more, but at $26 I guess I should have been more realistic in my expectations. Not a great deal of complexity or interest.
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Four hour decant and drunk with a Rib-Eye. Great nose of dark fruit and utterly delicious on the palate. Not too heavy, perfectly balanced and slightly lighter in styel than some Brunellos. My favourtite BdM producer around this price point - always delivers. This was perfectly aged for me also. Could go longer but I prefer them with this kind of age..
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Not my fave bdm vintage, but this wine made it work. Ripe and big, but none the worse for it. Sour cherry and leather and rubber(?). Not shy on fruit, but not overly modern either. A nice middle of the road, entering middle age. I suspect it could last a decade more easily.
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Decanted three hours. Gorgeous bouquet with florals, tar, olive paste and leather. Smooth and soft with a long finish. Ripe tannin sour red berry and a little heat that adds complexity on the finish. Really polished. Seamless from start to finish. Elegant and regal. Drink now-2022.
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Very good Brunello. Surprisingly open for business immediately out of the bottle. This has more life ahead. Turning garnet. Really elegant wine and slightly sweet finish vs. the normal bitter finish I get from many Brunellos. Reminded me of a very high quality rosso vs. Brunello. Lighter in style but very good nonetheless. Recommend, and maybe the best 2009 I’ve had.
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Nice Brunello from a vintage that can be drunk early. Agree with other notes - very approachable with nice fruits, but not a lot of structure or nuance. Enjoyed with a pork Bolognese...
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Powerful and aristocratic, this was a fabulous blend of power and elegance, with almost New World-level of fruit combined with that classic Italianate character of tobacco and leather. Structured without being tight, this is ready to drink now but will continue to evolve for some years. And also: very delicious.
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Was able to buy a lot at a really good price. Very nice for the price purchased, but probably a bit underwhelming at the $55-60 MSRP. It's a crowd pleaser brunello. A bit more fruity and not quite as nuanced as the bigger pours. Still happy to have and drink with a nice meal.
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Bottle in perfect condition. This was a great crowd pleaser that really sung with about an hour of air time. Did not notice the 15% at all. Maybe this can go the distance but it's pretty joyful right now.
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Significant browning and notes of oxidation. Seems prematurely aged, but I think that actually worked in the wine's favour, softening a tannin structure that could last decades in a perfectly-sealed bottle. Nose is dusty and peppery, with strong notes of charred eggplant and prune. Palate is light-bodied, with woody, stalky tannin. Flavours of bitter spice and dark berry fruit enlivened by a perky, acidic note of pickle. Good long finish.
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Drank at Otto Y Mezzo with the 2007 and 2004. Lightly transparent bright ruby colour. Nose is fine-boned air-dried red fruit and nice acidic structure. Palate is pin-point lifted red and black tiny berries. Not much length or resonance. Well made but lacking any sense of place.
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Medium garnet. Nose of tobacco, leather, rose petal, earth. Soft and succulent on the palate, very 2009 in style. Not as deep and complex as the 2010 but really fun to drink already now.
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This was our second MastroJanni in the very short time (the first one was only 3 weeks ago) and this time it was even better then the previous one. Very good BdM! The next one will have to wait at least for another year or two.
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Light and clear ruby color, medium body, on the nose: sour cherries, nice cedar, some earth, very gentle aroma with good bouquet of earth and leaves. On the palate - very balanced and round, very friendly with food (in our case - Chicken Meuniere with Tomato and Parsley Sauce). Good medium plus finish. 2009 was not great year in Montalcino, but this is really nice wine and very good ROI. I believe it will be good for another 5+ years easy.
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The ’09 Mastrojanni was so primary and rich, yet displaying an almost Point Noir-like bouquet of pure cherry, savory raspberry puree, sweet herbs and florals, minerals, iron and earth with hints of olive. On the palate, it was silky-smooth with ripe red fruit tones and youthful energy. It finished on dried cherry, inner florals and leather, with a hint of tannin lingering. Already enjoyable now, this should enjoy a broad drinking window.
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This is rather tight now... decent wine up front, but has a bitter ending.. Decanting would help, but ain't got time for that! I would pass on future purchases of this... Love the Fanti much more...
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MastroJanni 2009, Brunello di Montalcino. The estate was purchased by the Illy brothers in 2008. It’s located in the southern reaches of the Montalcino region (in Castelnuovo dell’Abate), which has only been developed for viticulture since the mid-70s (and this was the pioneering property). Fairly traditional approach, with various sizes of large oak casks used for aging (though it is Allier oak).
The 2009 is immediately likable in the glass, with warm red fruits (notably cherry) and an emerging note of tobacco. The warmth of both the sub-region and the vintage (which had particularly low yields throughout Tuscany) are evident, though there is fine acidity (and significant, though soft, tannins) to balance things out. A solid value for the $36 paid from @WineDeals, if not the most exciting Brunello out there for $40ish.
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Bouquet of raspberry, wet soil, mint, cherry, dust. Light red in color with slightly burnt edges. Palate ripe cherry, caramel, leather. A lighter brunello but still very good. Long finish and nice acidity and tannins.
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Very nice. Aromatic, floral with classic sangio palate. No decant so wondering if leaner body was due to lack of air but this seemed like a high quality CC Riserva rather than Brunello and with a price premium that I'm not sure is justified.
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Pop n' pour out of 375 and consumed over ~2.5 hours. Light, translucent ruby. Nose has strawberry and red cherry, tea, spice and a subtle enticing smoky note. Palate has medium weight with prominent upfront acidity. Flavor echoes the nose and definitely leans towards the earth-driven side of the spectrum. Lots of structure and grip across the mid-palate into a chewy finish. Drinking nicely now, especially with food. Only complaint is that it loses intensity across the mid-palate and in the finish.
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See through crimson with copper rim; red fruit, bright, green pepper, slight tininess; more polished on the palate, red fruit, licorice, good nobility, soft then tannins kick in; very young but good potential; 91+.
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12/9/2023 - gbanks Likes this wine:
Dried strawberries and cedar on the nose. Smooth and resolved tannins lead to a punch in the throat of acidity and lingering notes of blood orange and chinotto. I mean that in a good way. Oddly moreish for such a big wine, though the bigness is really only felt in a touch of lingering heat on swallowing. Was worried as the cork crumbled on opening but it’s totally fine and in a nice place, I would guess unlikely to improve further.
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12/18/2022 - DFBW Likes this wine: 93 Points
Purchased a couple of bottles of this a few years ago as MJ are one of my favourite Brunello producers. 2009 not billed as a great vintage and hence the suggested drinking window is a little shorter than normal for this wine. Opened and decanted for a couple of hours. Heady full and rich aroma with a little hint of age but it was on the palate that the wine truly delivered. Earthy and quite rich, tannins perfectly resolved, a little leather and aromatic black cherry fruit. Almost Barolo like in character. Drunk over three hours and the last glass was singing. Delicious wine, great value when purchased young and buried for a few years. I don't see any further development for this wine - perfect for drinking now and over the next year or two max.
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6/19/2022 - willthethrill Likes this wine: 93 Points
wow this has really improved with time!
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1/8/2022 - Krokfjord Likes this wine: 90 Points
Kirsebær, søte bringebær, pepper, blomster, middels fylde, ørlitegrann tynn utgang. Bra vin.
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9/28/2020 - thebonnydooner wrote: 90 Points
Lighter than expected, but well balanced and nuanced, nice leathery, earthy note to balance the red cherry and red plum fruit. Juicy and delicious on the finish.
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7/20/2020 - B&T wrote:
Very light bodied and feminine Brunello. This is at its peak (or perhaps has already peaked). Drink now.
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3/20/2020 - Burglover13 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Generally not a great vintage, but this wine has exceeded many of its peers (at least the few I've tried). Needed a solid hour or more of air and the wine bloomed nicely. Not a heavyweight, but very nice with grilled chicken. I paid less than $30 for it a few years ago, so great QPR imho.
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1/4/2020 - up4wine wrote: 89 Points
Rather thin and light for a Brunello. I had hoped for more, but at $26 I guess I should have been more realistic in my expectations. Not a great deal of complexity or interest.
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7/22/2019 - Ashori25 Likes this wine: 92 Points
One hour decant. Loved it.
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7/7/2019 - DFBW Likes this wine: 93 Points
Four hour decant and drunk with a Rib-Eye. Great nose of dark fruit and utterly delicious on the palate. Not too heavy, perfectly balanced and slightly lighter in styel than some Brunellos. My favourtite BdM producer around this price point - always delivers. This was perfectly aged for me also. Could go longer but I prefer them with this kind of age..
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6/30/2019 - paulst Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry; lush with softening tannins; balanced and fresh; nice finish.
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3/30/2019 - fats1976 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Paired will with pasta with red sauce; decent depth and solid fruit.
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12/21/2018 - shurpa14 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good especially after a decant. It probably has a few years left to go and still be prime. Very good value.
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9/30/2018 - paulst Likes this wine: 90 Points
15% alc; jammy sweet fruit and tannic, acidic; time needed.
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7/6/2018 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not my fave bdm vintage, but this wine made it work. Ripe and big, but none the worse for it. Sour cherry and leather and rubber(?). Not shy on fruit, but not overly modern either. A nice middle of the road, entering middle age. I suspect it could last a decade more easily.
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4/7/2018 - Poisey wrote: 93 Points
Decanted three hours. Gorgeous bouquet with florals, tar, olive paste and leather. Smooth and soft with a long finish. Ripe tannin sour red berry and a little heat that adds complexity on the finish. Really polished. Seamless from start to finish. Elegant and regal. Drink now-2022.
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3/5/2018 - shurpa14 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good Brunello. Surprisingly open for business immediately out of the bottle. This has more life ahead. Turning garnet. Really elegant wine and slightly sweet finish vs. the normal bitter finish I get from many Brunellos. Reminded me of a very high quality rosso vs. Brunello. Lighter in style but very good nonetheless. Recommend, and maybe the best 2009 I’ve had.
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12/16/2017 - brunomr Likes this wine: 89 Points
Good! But expected more from it. I’d rate as a medium Brunello
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10/8/2017 - danielpviens Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bright red fruit lots of acidity. More time won’t hurt.
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9/23/2017 - Snoski62 wrote: 90 Points
Nice Brunello from a vintage that can be drunk early. Agree with other notes - very approachable with nice fruits, but not a lot of structure or nuance. Enjoyed with a pork Bolognese...
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4/2/2017 - MBusk Likes this wine: 94 Points
Powerful and aristocratic, this was a fabulous blend of power and elegance, with almost New World-level of fruit combined with that classic Italianate character of tobacco and leather. Structured without being tight, this is ready to drink now but will continue to evolve for some years. And also: very delicious.
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3/8/2017 - niemiojas Likes this wine: 90 Points
Was able to buy a lot at a really good price. Very nice for the price purchased, but probably a bit underwhelming at the $55-60 MSRP. It's a crowd pleaser brunello. A bit more fruity and not quite as nuanced as the bigger pours. Still happy to have and drink with a nice meal.
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12/25/2016 - gbanks wrote:
Bottle in perfect condition. This was a great crowd pleaser that really sung with about an hour of air time. Did not notice the 15% at all. Maybe this can go the distance but it's pretty joyful right now.
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11/11/2016 - Drinking Trees wrote:
Significant browning and notes of oxidation. Seems prematurely aged, but I think that actually worked in the wine's favour, softening a tannin structure that could last decades in a perfectly-sealed bottle. Nose is dusty and peppery, with strong notes of charred eggplant and prune. Palate is light-bodied, with woody, stalky tannin. Flavours of bitter spice and dark berry fruit enlivened by a perky, acidic note of pickle. Good long finish.
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9/15/2016 - Goldstone wrote: 88 Points
Drank at Otto Y Mezzo with the 2007 and 2004. Lightly transparent bright ruby colour. Nose is fine-boned air-dried red fruit and nice acidic structure. Palate is pin-point lifted red and black tiny berries. Not much length or resonance. Well made but lacking any sense of place.
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8/13/2016 - Collector1855 wrote: 92 Points
Medium garnet. Nose of tobacco, leather, rose petal, earth. Soft and succulent on the palate, very 2009 in style. Not as deep and complex as the 2010 but really fun to drink already now.
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4/16/2016 - greidy Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was our second MastroJanni in the very short time (the first one was only 3 weeks ago) and this time it was even better then the previous one. Very good BdM!
The next one will have to wait at least for another year or two.
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3/24/2016 - greidy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Light and clear ruby color, medium body, on the nose: sour cherries, nice cedar, some earth, very gentle aroma with good bouquet of earth and leaves. On the palate - very balanced and round, very friendly with food (in our case - Chicken Meuniere with Tomato and Parsley Sauce). Good medium plus finish.
2009 was not great year in Montalcino, but this is really nice wine and very good ROI. I believe it will be good for another 5+ years easy.
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2/21/2016 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 91 Points
The ’09 Mastrojanni was so primary and rich, yet displaying an almost Point Noir-like bouquet of pure cherry, savory raspberry puree, sweet herbs and florals, minerals, iron and earth with hints of olive. On the palate, it was silky-smooth with ripe red fruit tones and youthful energy. It finished on dried cherry, inner florals and leather, with a hint of tannin lingering. Already enjoyable now, this should enjoy a broad drinking window.
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2/1/2016 - mike l. Likes this wine: 91 Points
very nice with air. i can see this doing very well over the next 10+ years barring any weird closedown stages.
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1/28/2016 - Marquis du Vin wrote: 88 Points
This is rather tight now... decent wine up front, but has a bitter ending.. Decanting would help, but ain't got time for that! I would pass on future purchases of this... Love the Fanti much more...
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10/27/2015 - Nojomoschwa Likes this wine: 90 Points
MastroJanni 2009, Brunello di Montalcino. The estate was purchased by the Illy brothers in 2008. It’s located in the southern reaches of the Montalcino region (in Castelnuovo dell’Abate), which has only been developed for viticulture since the mid-70s (and this was the pioneering property). Fairly traditional approach, with various sizes of large oak casks used for aging (though it is Allier oak).
The 2009 is immediately likable in the glass, with warm red fruits (notably cherry) and an emerging note of tobacco. The warmth of both the sub-region and the vintage (which had particularly low yields throughout Tuscany) are evident, though there is fine acidity (and significant, though soft, tannins) to balance things out. A solid value for the $36 paid from @WineDeals, if not the most exciting Brunello out there for $40ish.
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9/30/2015 - shurpa14 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Bouquet of raspberry, wet soil, mint, cherry, dust. Light red in color with slightly burnt edges. Palate ripe cherry, caramel, leather. A lighter brunello but still very good. Long finish and nice acidity and tannins.
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9/15/2015 - DBunk Likes this wine: 88 Points
Very nice. Aromatic, floral with classic sangio palate. No decant so wondering if leaner body was due to lack of air but this seemed like a high quality CC Riserva rather than Brunello and with a price premium that I'm not sure is justified.
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7/16/2015 - willthethrill wrote: 90 Points
Nothing special.
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6/8/2015 - richardkim Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium in body. Dark fruits, but primarily menthol and sandalwood, with a lively and flinty backbone.
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3/18/2015 - Nanda wrote: 90 Points
Pop n' pour out of 375 and consumed over ~2.5 hours. Light, translucent ruby. Nose has strawberry and red cherry, tea, spice and a subtle enticing smoky note. Palate has medium weight with prominent upfront acidity. Flavor echoes the nose and definitely leans towards the earth-driven side of the spectrum. Lots of structure and grip across the mid-palate into a chewy finish. Drinking nicely now, especially with food. Only complaint is that it loses intensity across the mid-palate and in the finish.
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12/8/2014 - Trout17 wrote: 90 Points
Tasted at winery
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6/27/2014 - Rezy13 Likes this wine: 91 Points
See through crimson with copper rim; red fruit, bright, green pepper, slight tininess; more polished on the palate, red fruit, licorice, good nobility, soft then tannins kick in; very young but good potential; 91+.
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