Community Tasting Note

• Jewer wrote:

  August 25, 2012 - I seriously don't get this. Decanted for about an hour, and have had it in my glass for another hour and a half and am not getting anything. I get some sweetnes, a lot of acidity, but that is about it. It is so light without much taste lingering in my mouth, and no real notes in either smell or taste.
  
  Am I just ruined from drinking too much Australian wine??

  3,307 views

4 Comments

• Jochems commented:

  9/29/12, 11:11 AM - I would never decant a Brunello, it easily kills it. Much rather slow-ox it by pouring it into the shoulder and leaving it for at least 6-8 hours.
  
  From how you describe it this wine might also be going into its sleeper phase. I noticed some closing down with bottles we had in June.

• DK Amateur commented:

  2/6/13, 11:19 AM - I find Jewers' view that (even a young) Brunello can't stand decanting surprising. Is this a common view? I generally prefer Barolo and Chianti to Brunello but have tended to like Brunello since I had a wonderful Talenti 1982 in 1992 except for the prices but don't know them well enough to have any serious experience with the decanting question.

• Jochems commented:

  2/9/13, 1:14 PM - Brunello for me is all about refinement and complexity. When you decant this wine it will open up, but quite offten to fast and losing its refinement in the process.
  But, like many other classic wines, it needs oxygen to open up. That is where slow-oxing comes in. It is simple: pop the cork, pour into the shoulder (and taste!) and leave the bottle alone for several hours. I usually take anywhere between 6 and 8 hours before dinner. But still then most of the time the last glass is the best one (you can read it in several of my notes).
  
  For a young Brunello, 2-3 year after release/7-8 years old, decanting might work, but why risk it? One of the pleasures of a fine Brunello is to witness it evolve in the glass, give it time and enjoy. Most top Brunelli from a good vintage are only getting anywhere near their peak at 12+ years. For those wines I say 'never decant a Brunello'.

• DK Amateur commented:

  2/9/13, 1:43 PM - Jochems, thanks for the clarification, that makes good sense to me.

Add a Comment