Brunello Di Montalcino Tasting and Reviews

Brunello Di Montalcino Tasting and Reviews – Episode #167

January 16, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Sangiovese Grasso is the grape behind this classic wine, sit back and watch as Gary Vaynerchuk tastes and review four wines score 95 or higher by the Wine Spectator.

129 Responses

January 16, 2007

Tangaroa
Wow – Unbelievable episode!

It is amazing how varied these
wines can be. I personally would
not have guessed that the bouquet
would give you that sense.

Another beautiful example of why
we should never trust ratings by
so-called experts, but rather develop
our own opinions…

Oh, there is another item that
disturbs me. Many of the first
10 to 20 posts often have absolutely
no content whatsoever. It becomes
A race to see who can type “I MADE
IT IN THE TOP 10! – WHOOPEE!”

Wouldn’t it better if people took
the time to watch the entire episode
and craft a well thought out comment
before posting?

GOCTHA!
January 16, 2007

Diego de la PeÃ±a
AHUEVOOOO
January 16, 2007

jon777
Oooh… Brunello! Excellent!

#3 — What do I win?
January 16, 2007

Joe P.
Thanks Gare! I LOVE Brunello! Go Italia!
January 16, 2007

FTBoomer
Welcome back Gary, Hope LA was kind to you. We missed you
January 16, 2007

Brandon M
#6 is so lame
January 16, 2007

TimF
Tangaroa — Did you mean to say Gotcha? The mov file was uploaded at 5:49 and you posted at 5:52…
January 16, 2007

Italian Stallion
top 10
January 16, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- I’m just starting to try Brunellos. Welcome back!
January 16, 2007

Justin
GV,
Excellent. I have been waiting to see an episode on Brunello. I have honestly never had one. I know I know… I need to go out and get one and try it. Nice to see Hillbilly Jim sitting in on the tasting today. He is quite a character. Ah the good old days.

Anyway I havent left for australia yet, so i will be able to catch a few more episodes before i go, thankfully.
January 16, 2007

Dale
top 10? First time
January 16, 2007

Brandon M
Tangaroa

That was classic…absolutely classic.
January 16, 2007

Mets fan 13
Thanks for doing Brunellos!
January 16, 2007

C. W., Brazil
Hey Gary,
Another great episode!

Regards from Rio de Janeiro
January 16, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
Oh, great! I love Brunello! Great show.
January 16, 2007

hinrgman
Top 100
January 16, 2007

Diego de la PeÃ±a
1999 banfi, having a HARD time getting these wines … BUT I LOOOOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
January 16, 2007

garyv
Siera Browns WLTV bit at the END is AMAZING!!!!!!!!
January 16, 2007

kahuna
nice job GV- nice crystal lite ending-

love Brunello’s the doll i thought was hacksaw jim dugan but alas you are a bigger nerd than me and pointed out it is hillbilly jim
January 16, 2007

CampingLisaB
The Cheese is back! Welcome home Gary…Can’t wait to try the Brunello!
January 16, 2007

jon777
QOTD: Favorite Brunello (and granted, I haven’t had that many), Poggio Antico, 1999. Especially as I had it at dinner at the winery. An absolutely wonderful place. Have the 97 and 99 reserves in the wine fridge. Have had to exert a lot of restraint not to drink them too soon!
January 16, 2007

waibeans
Wow.. talented little girl. She did a great job with that bit.

Welcome back GV.. its good to have you back on the “right” coast. The Brunello showing was awesome, its veeeery hard to stop from clicking on the BUY link right now. The only thing that’s holding me back is the backlog of orders I already have at WL. I think I have to hold it to 5 orders at a time

Must resist..
January 16, 2007

John Blue Label
Gary,
Fantastic episode. Had my first Brunello last week. While scouting your old videos, saw you rave about Cerbaia and wow was it fantastic. Have a bottle of Pinino which I will try tomorrow. Sounds fantastic. I sound just like waibeens. Have a lot of wine in my basket that I haven’t ordered yet. Keep the good vibes and advice coming. By the way, no Wegman’s here in NC which really pisses my wife off. But hey, it’s warm!

JW
January 16, 2007

Don S.
Hey,
I’m all over the Crystal Light. This little girl has no palate what-so-ever.
January 16, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- You are right. This was an awesome episode. Thanks.

QOD- 2000 La Magia from WL. Great mouth feel, dried cherry flavor with some rasberry on the finish.

I think Sierra has you nailed. Way to go Sierra!
January 16, 2007

saul
1997 costanti went to italy on my honeymoon and met andrea costanti he showed us around and tasted his 99 rosso and brunello
January 16, 2007

ThomasS
Gary, kudos to your little assistant today. She’s great!
QOTD: an unknown Brunello for a lot of us, especially over here: Silvio Nardi, 1999. A friend of us in Italy recommended it and I have to admit that it’s one of the best Brun’s I tasted. It’s only his basic cuvÃ©e, there is also a top one (I don’t remember the name) that should be twice as good as this one. The basic one has a very good QPR, it’s basic, but not ‘basic’ as a Brunello: rather OW, still a very persistent tannic structure, nice brown red colour (btw: some people say that ‘Brunello’ refers to the wine, not the grapes, as it was traditionally aged in those large ‘botte’, and in fact aired some bit, causing the wine to brown), hint of garrigue and coffee on the first sniff, then black cherry and blackberry leaf, some tar and smoke. The palate is very focused and remarkably structured, carrying an enormous amount of fruit and moka, but very well tamed. Finish and remembrance are full roast coffee, cocoa and moist earth. Very nice, but still needs some time to smoothen out. I’ll open my first bottle within two years or so.
January 16, 2007

Benji
QOTD: Best BdM would have to be Fanti, especially the 99′. Young in its age, but still a favorite.
January 16, 2007

el tejano
I think the Crystal Light was corked.
January 16, 2007

labmat
I’m sorry Gary but I think you’ve been upstaged by a little girl!

Terrific Episode.

-Matt L
January 16, 2007

DaBear
Hey Gary,

Havn’t posted in awhile, havn’t been able to watch all the episodes, will get to watch them all eventually. Anyway, had a 1997 Fattoria Scopone recently… excellent… That Pinino is a great wine, tasted one last month. I love the Piancornello 2001 Brunello the most, which, I believe you sell also.

B.T.W Have you had a chance to do a show on the local NJ/PA wines yet? If not, could you?
January 16, 2007

Doc Brown
Gary…Chris and the rest….thanks for putting my little girl Cierra on the show! She was very excited to see herself on WLTV. I agree…I think the Crystal Light was corked!

Doc Brown
January 16, 2007

TampaSteve
Gary you just made me want to RUN back to Italy. As you are well aware I have the privilege of going to Montalcino last summer, just in time for the 01 release. I spent 3 days in Montalcino sampling Brunello. Some of my favorite (no particular order) Poggio Antico, Silvio Nardi, Casanova Di Neri, Tenuta Caparzo and 2001 Casisano-Colombaio (excellent QPR). My favorite..lol..you already know that 2001 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova. However I have a mag of 97 1997 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero that I hand carried back right from the winery for a very specail occasion that may just top the list.
January 16, 2007

Hugh
i have yet to have a great brunello, so i wont even rack my brain trying to come up with a favorite. i recently had the 97 Frescobaldi Castelgiocando…now i remember WS scoring this over 95…it was good but just average….there was no “wow” factor that would merit a high score….so i’m still looking…..so just picked up a couple of the Pinino considering your excitement….so we’ll see…..now your reputation is on the line big boy!!! (i know, i know….all palates are different…yada yada yada….but i have always loved Bordeaux….just havent hit it with Brunellos)
January 16, 2007

Rick E
“The Pinino displays pure elegance and class, evoking thoughts of classic works of art. Now let me stick my finger in this here creamy cheese.” Nice.

You probably should have switched tastings with Ciera–I believe she displayed the polish of which you spoke. She certainly has the swirling down.

Kudos to both of you.
January 16, 2007

Dustin
I guess it’s time to try one.. I’m off to the store!!! Thanks for the motivation.
January 16, 2007

Joe P.
Gary,
Thanks for hooking us with the San-joe-vay-zeh Grosso! Do you know of any bargain Brunellos? I wonder whether there is even such a thing. I have only had a few Brunellos and two of them were while I was in Florence (outside of Chianti) and can’t recall what they were. Anyway, they are marvelous and I’m always on the lookout for a tasty, yet affordable Brunello. Thanks for the show! jp
January 16, 2007

Badger Ann
Gary – great show. I don’t have any bottles of BdM, but I had a chance to taste two from the 2001 vintage a few months ago at my local wine shop. Wow – they really did seem to be the perfect merger of Old and New Worlds! I never quite understood how a wine could taste “dusty” or “gritty” until I had those, and I didn’t find it the least bit offensive. I’ll have to purchase 1 or 2 bottles, thanks to your inspiring episode.

Ann B. (signed now as “Badger Ann” – you did want more creative names, right? Go Wisconsin, Go Packers!)
January 16, 2007

Jon E
Barolo to follow? Watch out for that kid Gary, you might have a replacement. Perhaps she could do a vertical of SlimFast.

QOTD: 99′ Poggione Riserva actually. Tasted a little while ago and was very happy with it. Lesser known producer to watch Cordero di Montezemolo, great wines.

G-Man any well known Brunello producers you think are way over hyped? Col D’Orcia maybe? Thanks
January 16, 2007

E-Rock
Welcome home guy!! Great Show. And I had the Fattoria Pinino in my hand early today.. Damn!! My fave so far is the 99 Banfi I also had the 2001 Poggio Il Castellare for x-mas and was quite impressed.
January 16, 2007

Jason R.
Thanks for lining up the bottles when all done. I liked it before and glad that it is back. The recap with scores is a must to continue
January 16, 2007

Wino
I am truly bummed out by this episode. My wife bought me the Sestadisopra for Christmas and I was really looking forward to aging it and tasting a 95 pointer. Now I am just bummed. Thanks.
January 16, 2007

joe
Gary,

thanks for the brunello episode. I love when you go old world.

My best Brunello experience was an Altesino 1995, consumed during this past Christmas Break.
January 16, 2007

Kai
Hi Gary,

Another great show as usual. BUT, I think today the little girl (whomever she is) is kicking your butt…..she is great…huh !

Still watching everyday from Hong Kong.
January 16, 2007

dadobs
QOTD: Agree with Benji’s post #28 about the ‘99 Fanti–stunning wine, especially with food. Winespectator gave it 98 points and it’s deserved; great fruit, silky tannins and super-long finish. Wish I had more. Second fav would be the ‘97 Casanova de Neri Cerratalto.

Great episode Gary–the kid’s got a future in your business!
January 16, 2007

Susan
Gary-
I think you should call it cheese and wine!
Ha!
That bit was for those of you who have seen
WWWWWWAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY
too much American TV!
QOD: Never had Brunello. Going to try soon….
Cierra Brown is
VERY
gifted young girl. Gary – you need to watch your back!
I just love the grape drawing.
Who did the drawing?
January 16, 2007

JOEYdaMUSH
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
January 16, 2007

aktormedic
Brunellos in the states just dont taste the same than in Tuscany…or maybe it’s the fact that they are twice the price here and ones that are easy to get are mostly the modern styled generic sangiovese wines….but, man when these wines are on the money….they are among the finest around!!

I don’t know a lot about these wines, nor do I remember many from Italy, but some I have liked are:

2001 La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino “I Poggiarelli”
2001 Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino

I have attached a quote from Wikipedia re: Brunello, thought it was both interesting and thought provoking :

“Today, Brunello is under attack by the international, modernist winemaking. The wine is becoming darker and bigger in order to garner high scores from the wine press. While there are traditional wineries that follow old school processes and yet still make dark and rich wines (Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is an example), the reason for this is the conditions of the soils and the micro-climates of the vineyards. This is a far contrast to winemaking regimes that reduce the time in botte or eliminate it entirely, and follow fermentation methods designed to extract more color and tannin from the grapes. While there are many notable Brunello wines crafted in this international, modern style, they are not necessarily traditional Brunello wines.

Some think it unfortunate that those who have come to this wine recently (either on the consumer or production side) are so content to throw off a traditional style that has allowed for the economic success that Brunello has enjoyed. But one must remember that Brunello is a modern evolution. While the modern rules of Brunello making were first laid down by the Biondi Santi family in the late 1800s, the industry we see today has its roots in the 1960s when there were only a handful of producers. Even as recently as 1975, the total number of producers was approximately 25 vintners producing approximately 70,000 cases of Brunello total. According to the Consorzio di Vini di Brunello di Montalcino, in 1995 120 producers made 300,000 cases. Today there are well over 200 producers in the Consorzio. The production has risen to over 6,000,000 bottles, or 500,000 cases.”
January 16, 2007

Ricardo Ganc
Hey gary,
The way you tasted this wine drove me nuts!!!!!
Probably the best wine tasted during the winetv history (based on you excitement) and maybe, just maybe the best episode……..
Na….the flavour profile is still the best!!!!!
Awesome anyway!!!!!
Ricardo Ganc (Brazil)
January 16, 2007

cgf
G-Man,

Sick episode. Nice theme, background, and great enthusiasm.

QOD: LIVIO SASSETTI Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali 1998 is the only Brunello I have ever had. I liked it alot, and I decided Brunello was a wine I need to explore. With the prices though, it is definitely a special occasion wine.
January 16, 2007

salvatore
Thanksgiving had 2001 Banfi Brunello ! Terrific; however it was my first and only Brunello at $65. So maybe I just thought it was terrific. Silky earthy long rich blackberry finish. I’d certainly buy it again. Man my mouth is watering just listening to your description of the Fattorio Pinino. You lucky dog!!
January 16, 2007

lizv
that little girl is a STAR!! great job!
January 16, 2007

Sean
Great episode! I’m SO craving a Brunello now… not to mention the cheese.
January 16, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
RickE’s Comment 35 nailed it: â€œThe Pinino displays pure elegance and class, evoking thoughts of classic works of art. Now let me stick my finger in this here creamy cheese.â€ Nice.
LOL…Another instant classic ep from WLTV!! I never saw you enjoy a wine as much as that Pinino. Glad you enjoyed it.
What was the name of that cheese again?
QOTD-2001 Manapetra BdM was pretty good…
January 16, 2007

Mike W.
Gary,

As Edward G. Robinson might have said as Lancy Howard in the Cincinnati Kid (circa 1965), “You’re good kid, but as long as [that little girl] is in town…you’re only 2nd best”. You’re still THE MAN! IMHO, buddy. But a word of advice: If I were you, I’d limit this talented young lady’s exposure on your website, else we might be watching her wine reviews in the not too distant future. Thus, perhaps reinforcing General Patton’s fear in your mind and heart…that all glory is fleeting.

MLW
January 16, 2007

Eric Opheim
QOTD: I haven’t had a Brunello yet, but after today’s episode I will have to try and find a good one.

So now that the Jets season is over, what do we have to look forward to? A NETS playoff beard?
January 16, 2007

EJ
looking forward to trying the panini as my first BdM. BTW- can we list the cheese underneath the wines tasted?

great episode!
January 16, 2007

Riezin
QOTD: Montecarbello 2000. Special because I drank it at a restaurant just outside of Montalcino on my honeymoon. Extra special cause its crazy how cheap Brunello is over there. Also Piancornello 2001. Tasted it in Montalcino proper and brought another bottle back. I also drank the Valdicava 2002. They didnt actually make their Brunello that year cause of the vintage so they declassified the grapes and called it Rosso. But all the fruit was from their regular brunello vines.
January 16, 2007

chito
!Great episode!!! Had to show it to my daughter. Some classic lines as well, “Wine is the experience”. Could not agree with you more. The combo with cheese was great. I am a big fan of Brunello’s but have bought more to lay down than to drink. I will certainly see if any of the wines featured are available and will buy some to drink now. Cannot thank you enough. LOTTA YOU WITH LITTLE ELSE IS ROCKING THE WINE WORLD!!!
January 17, 2007

glenn
1997 Biondi Santi @ a dinner in LA a few years ago.

have a 1/2 dozen 01 Argiano in the cellar and 1/2 dozen Ciacci Piccolomin d’Aragona from the same vintage.

truthfully now, do i need 6 bottles of 01 Pinino?
January 17, 2007

glenn
the Biondi Santi might have been a 90 now that i think about it.
January 17, 2007

scotty
Gary-as always a great show. My favorite Brunello was and still is the 97 pian delle vigne-my wife and I had our first two bottles in a trattoria in florence a few years ago. When we got back I could not find it anywhere,three months later i saw it at auction and payed more than i should have. I love that wine but as we always say:it’s the bottle; the people and the place. The wine gets opened every year around the time we went to Italy and tastes great yet I know It will never taste as great as it did that first time.
January 17, 2007

Nico
Gary, s p e c t a c u l a r ! ! !

I’ve been researching Brunello di Montalcino ever since WS awarded 2001 Casanova de Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova as wine of the year. While I can’t afford the current list price for that bottle, I’ve grabbed a few 2001 Brunellos just to get a taste of the vintage, and I CAVED tonight with your display for the 2001 Pinino.

QOTD: So far, I’ve had 2 Brunellos: 2001 Casisano Colombaio Brunello di Montalcino and the 2001 Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino – both very decent, and I did notice the high acidity. I think a definite food wines.

great show!!!
-Nico
January 17, 2007

cpd
For chri-eye, I’ve spent $2,000 since October and am not even close to being through half of the Stag’s Leap district. How in the world can you try so many great wines from so many great regions? (And still make it to work, that is)
January 17, 2007

Pete C
Had the La Rasina Rosso Di Montalcino which was a terrific wine at under $17/bottle.
January 17, 2007

Mark
Never had the pleasure of tasting a brunello … will seek one out now!
January 17, 2007

thomas korent
My favourite Brunello (and I haven’t had so many this far, because I’m only a student and these wines are rather pricey) was a 1995 cantina di montalcino from canalicchio di sopra, if I remember correctly. I was astonished by the nose of a 1997 poggio all’oro riserva from a Magnum bottle (banfi is the producer), but the taste was not really my thing. Then I have to admit that the bottle had spent a couple of years on a yacht with rather hot summers and no proper storing ambiente…so I guess it is hard to say. Having said that, I have tasted quite a few Brunellos that were absolutely nothing special, but were very expensive anyway (Gary sort of explained why), so I’m rather caucious when it comes to buying or ordering Brunelli.
January 17, 2007

Lynne
Doc, your little girl is a natural! Perhaps our youngest “speaking” Vayniac? ( Not to exclude Kahuna’s “little kahuna”)

QOD: I’ve never had a Brunello. Thought they were too expensive to take the risk and my tastes don’t always agree w/ the critics. Based on GaryV’s tantalizing descriptions, (and GV, you haven’t steered me wrong yet) I know I will soon stuff another case in my cart. There goes my ‘07 resolution of one order per month. I knew I was being too hard on myself; maybe I can limit it to two.
January 17, 2007

Dom Nicoletta
Nice Gary!!!! I have fallen in love with Brunello. Ever since the vintage was scored so high I have been picking up different producers I could afford and one that I couldn’t. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the wine of the year- Casanova Di Neri Tenuta Nuova. I opened and shared it with family on Christmas eve. Unbelievable!!!! The nose was so warm and delicious(that is the best way to describe it. Great mouth feel, long finish, definitely old world, but lush fruit is definitelt there. I can’t wait to open another in a few years!!
January 17, 2007

David Canada
WOW!!! Gotta tell you Gary. YOu rocked this one! THis is definetly top three so far.
QOTD – 1997 Altesino Brunello. Very nice!
January 17, 2007

Leonard deOliveira
QOTD –97 and the 2001 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova outstanding! Great episode…One of the best.
January 17, 2007

rino70
good show g,
love sangiovese in general, they’re great wines to drink with food. I like many italian sangio’s from all over the boot, tuscany, abruzzo and molise
california has its own expression of the grape and i like to try differant wines in the domestic style. sonoma, mendocino and central coast wineries produce clean wines with bright fruit and crisp acidity. freemark abbey had a memorable sangio in 1999, but my favotite has been an ortman family sangio that they produce in small quantity over the last few years in san luis obispo county.
as far as my limited experiance with brunello di montalcino goes my bro-in-law cracked open a biondi-santi brunello di montalcino 1996 over christmas, and though old school, i liked the flavors coming through, earth, mushroom and sour cherry fruit with gripping sometimes bitter tannins.
by the way have you posted any results of oak monster submission from last month. i have one that i cant help thinking of when i taste extreme wood in my wine.
peace
January 17, 2007

eugene
Great episode, thanks Gary!

Intro is fantastic but who gets the credit? Is this TimFâ€™s daughter?

QOTD:

I am yet to discover my favorite brunello.

They so damn expensive and I always feel reluctant to spend money on Italian wines. I have no problem paying for Bordeaux, Champagne or Rioja but I made a conscious decision not to buy any Italian wines unless I taste them or theyâ€™re recommended to me by someone whose palate I can trust.

In my experiments with Italian wines I had more misses than hits. As this episode shows many of them are grossly overpriced.

Now that Pinino entices me.

PS: Love the cheese pairings. Please bring more of this stuf!
January 17, 2007

Tom T.
Awesome episode. Brunello’s are awesome. The little girl who impersonated you was hilarious.
Another classic WLTV episode is in the books.
January 17, 2007

Rich S
Man, what a great episode!!! Brunellos are one of my favorite Italian wines along with Barolo and Amarone. It was pretty evident that Gary was really into these wines today. It also looks like the 97 pointer was pretty quick to sell out because there is none available right now through WL. That’s ok though, I need to cut back a little on the spending anyway……..

QOD: Although, I haven’t had a ton of brunellos in my life, the 1 that I think sticks out the best was a 2000 or 2001 (can’t remember the vintage) Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino. I just remember it being silky smooth and luscious and awesome. I have about 5-6 brunellos in my collection now and hope to add more……..
January 17, 2007

JimVarney01
Never had a brunello… definitely on the list to try real soon! Thanks for the info and the episode Gary!
January 17, 2007

TimF
eugene — not my daughter, but whoever it was, the parent’s have quite a handful I bet! She was great!

BTW — Can somebody remind me of the name of the cheese on the episode?
January 17, 2007

Michael P
That girl was soooooo cute!! GV she will def give you a run for your $$ in 10yrs.

I had a Banfi BdM. Hated it. I believe it was an ‘01. Believe it or not I may give the Pinino a whirl. Hey everyone deserves a 2nd shot right…except Merlot, dessert wines, Chards & uhhhh…uhh..mmmm did I miss anyone?
January 17, 2007

mikeyrad
Great episode, perhaps the best yet! Cierra deserves a Golden Globe! I’m also excited for the special announcement. I’m guessing that it has to do with gourmetlibrary.com. As far as Brunellos, I’ve had a few at restaurants and loved them, but was too drunk or stupid to make tasting notes or write down the name of the wine.
January 17, 2007

NickP
GV,
This was a great episode. Doc Brown’s daughter stole the show from a performance perspective – she’s got a future!
As for the wines, BDM’s have long been a favorite. My love of wine began in teh 70s and my first real splurge was on a BDM. I probably have the label at home, but I don’t remember which one it was offhand. I’ll have to come back with that another time. But I have had for sure Banfi, Silvio Nardi, Biondi-Santi over the years and they are always terrific, though I will admit for the price one pays I have been somewhat disappointed with some of them in the past. I recieved a Banfi and a Collosorbo, both 2000, for Christmas – but I’ll have to wait on those. I’ll be in the store this afternoon for a few bottles of teh Pinino and the cheese.

Keep it coming!
January 17, 2007

Joyce
Gary…..great episode……we saw you, by the way, wipe your cheesey fingers on your pants! HA!…Be vewy vewy afraid….Cierra’s coming! She was fantastic, great presence.

Fun episode, as usual. Glad you’re back in NJ!

Joyce
January 17, 2007

NickP
Tim, I read the cheese as Piedmont Robiola.
January 17, 2007

jeff verellen
I tried alot of brunello over my lifetime but for me the: “Brunello tenuta oliveto” did it!
January 17, 2007

KAHUNA
I was just in Italy this past July and the Brunellos are no where near as cheap as they used to be- in 2001 they flowed like water in 2006 they flowed like really expensive water!

In 2005 we were in Florence & the Tuscan countryside and I drank so many Brunello’s- I could not even tell you the name of one- But I brought home a nice 70 euro bottle and my wife left it in the car in 95 degree weather for 2 days when we got home- the cork has pushed up about 1/4 of an inch- would be happy to let Gary try this on air.
January 17, 2007

shea
Nice comparisons GARY! Watch OUT – You have enormous competion with cutie Sierra, good thing
she’s just a a babe and not able to drink the real thing!

My QOTD: can any one advise me?

I am a healthy, all natural organic foodie (when its available, no processing, no additives, no
gmo) and in touch with my body and surroundings….never smoked and do not ever take
prescription drugs…NO CHEMICAL ADDITIVES HERE!

I am having a little trouble with Old World wines, particulary REDS.

I have noticed the New World acidity and many taste like a HUGE ZIN! Which is fantastic, however..

My issue is, an uncomfortable feeling hours after drinking….I think it

may be because of the unfiltered wines…Have you ever heard of this?

They don’t agree with my digestion…..

Salute!
Shea
January 17, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Hire Sierra, put her on contract now and keep her ready for when she is drinking age. What talent

Brunello’ s are second on my list Poggio is consistent for me 90, 95, 97 the best recent vintages for me, my preference is still Barolo because the Nebbiolo grape is so temperamental that it is difficult to reproduce in any other country. And Brunello’s still possess the old world charm. What you liked the most about these wines you tasted today seemed to be the new world aspects and that, to me, is destructive to terroir as these are being made to appeal to short term use and not storage. Will the fruit bombs hold up or fade out as so many of the CA wines that are over-the-top at the beggining but never age into anything special? I don’t want to see homogenization of the wine business where everything has the same profile. Tasting these wines in the region (Tuscany border) many of the smaller wineries still possess the old world charm.
January 17, 2007

Faryan
Fav brunellos:

Altesino 95
Tenuta La Fuega 95 riserva (more for the ocassion than for the wine, albeit it was good)
January 17, 2007

Fred Horwitz
Gary,

I am new to WLTV, and I am thrilled to join this community. What a great idea! I am also new to Brunello, but decided to jump right in with the ‘01 vintage. Picked up a few different bottles – Banfi, Tenuto di Nuova, Castelgiocondo, Siro Pacenti, and Valdicava. Great names I know – I have a friend who is a BdM freak and she suggested a number of these.

The question I have for you is should I wait until 2010/11 to pop these babies? I store them in my basement in Cleveland, OH ,which is 1/2 underground, so the temp is fairly consistent averaging about 65F. I only have about 2 bottles of each, so I would hate to wait too long and find them over the hill. How much would I miss if I decanted them say in December 2007? I know that this question can be answered generally regardless of varietal, but I’m wondering if you’ve had positive experiences decanting young Brunellos in particular.

Thanks – Fred

PS. I know you’re a JETS fan, but I’m hoping that you were able to appreciate the quality and level of drama of the Patriots-Chargers game last Sunday. Classic Brady/Belichick. What a machine. Go PATS! (please don’t hold this against me!)
January 17, 2007

Mike C
Gary…you have been really funny lately. Are you drinking before the episodes?
January 17, 2007

Sherri
Awesome episode! Sierra stole the show… obviously has watched a LOT of WLTV and can do a great impression!!

GO PATS (sorry Gary)
January 17, 2007

Brian
Great. Brunello the noblest wine of Tuscany. You kill me with these tastings! Awesome presentation and supreme honesty. BTW, Favorite Brunello of all time is ‘85 Castelgiocondo riserva in a mag!
January 17, 2007

Anthony L
La Magia 99 riserva! Excellent bang for your bones!!!
January 17, 2007

Gregg Johnson
Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino is my favorite so far. What stood out for me was the balance between fruit, toast, earth (like peat moss, forest), and nice tannins. I was very impressed by it.

I’ve just discovered this Wine Library TV and like it a lot. You do a great job. I have some episodes to catch up on. Thanks.
January 17, 2007

John Blue Label
An update! I had a bottle of the Pinino 2001 that Gary tasted yesterday, and tried it today. WOW!!! Was it fantastic. Gary, my man, you got the Right Stuff! This is the nectar of the gods.This is one of the finest wines I have ever had (I admit, I’m a newbie, but oh boy is this good) I have ordered a case to keep for a few years. JW
January 17, 2007

Sam Zen
Scar4y how well that little girl swirled the glass… dad, you’re screwed when she gets older!
January 17, 2007

Italian Stallion
OK…First off….That girl did the impression PERFECT…not to mention she swirled the glass like a pro. GREAT JOB!!

QOD: The best Brunello I ever had was the 2001 Cassanova Di Neri Tenuta Nuova (WS # 1 wine of 2006)…thanks to my good buddy TampaSteve
January 17, 2007

Michael J Vino
Great episode Gary. I am shocked to read that Patriot fans actually enjoy good vino. I would have thought they only drank beer (Sam Adams or a Boston microbrew). J-E-T-S!!!
January 17, 2007

NickP
OK, I said in comment 80 I’d check back on some of the BDMs I had in the past. While I know I had a number over the years I was only able to find a record for one. Here’s an indication of what’s happened over the years: Silvio Nardi Cavaliere del Lavoro, 1974: $8.99/bottle bought in 1981 in NYC, drunk in 1985. My rather simple tasting notes, printed on the back of the label which I still have, say: “Clear, deep red color – like a good Chianti Classico Riserva. Pleasant, abundant bouquet w/some woodiness. Elegant, smooth taste; good wood and tannins, not overbearing, but apparent. Much smoother and more subtle than a Ch. Classico. I think ready to drink but should last and improve for a while.”
I also found a record of a 1995 Casnova di Neri – that was a gift.
I did buy two bottles of the Pinini today – at $60/bot I hope they live up to their billing, esp.
in light of what a decent bottle cost back in 1981!
BTW – WL cheese shop is currently out of the Robiola Piedmont cheese – they may get more later in the week.
January 17, 2007

Rob M.
168????
January 17, 2007

Brandon M
Where’s this HUUUUGE announcement?
January 17, 2007

Adam
That’s what I’m thinking. Where is the announcement?
January 17, 2007

grape_ape
yeah, 168?!?
January 17, 2007

Dominus
Waiting with baited wine breath . . .
January 17, 2007

mikeyrad
ok, here’s a guess. Gary tasting wine with cheese is my clue. I’m guessing something about http://www.gourmetlibrary.com.
January 17, 2007

Rob M.
Did he say the big announcement was today? I thought he said it was Friday.

168. 168. 168.
January 17, 2007

Brandon M
He said tomorrow didn’t he?
January 17, 2007

Brandon M
http://www.gourmetlibrary.com ? If that’s the big announcement then I’m taking my baseball and goin home!
January 17, 2007

Like 'em Rounded and Aged
OK. Just ordered a couple Pinino.

2001 is an amazing vintage. Favorite Brunello of the vintage so far is the Siro Pacenti whose nose I give a score of 98. Love the nose. The wine is not quite as good – 96 points in my book, but still fantastic. Of course, all these high scorers still need to stand the test of time to see what they might really turn into. Also love the Siro because of its relatively modest price point for its score – $65 to $70.
January 17, 2007

hinrgman
Is Gary off today????

No episode???
January 17, 2007

BobW
Best episode EVER!!! I love the Brunello’s and have been buying the 2001’s at 2-3 per month to add to the minimal number of 97’s and later I have. Have to get the Pinino. Keep it up Gary.
January 17, 2007

E
Is it just me or are the gravatars working again …
January 17, 2007

97 Brunello
looovvved the episode. have not had the pinino, but will soon! it is great to see brunello getting some recognition, but also important to note that you can’t put your blinders on and go shopping. $90 for the last one would sure piss me off. also, the budding actress at the tail end was excellent. best Gary imitator I have seen yet.
January 17, 2007

Mark Block
My father gave me a case of the 1990 Banfi Reserva, so that’s my gold satndard.

In the late 1990s I visited Italy with my wife and parents, and we were able to book a lunch at Castello Banfi. It was THE BEST lunch I’ve ever eaten. Huge medieval room with ancient wooded tables. A different wine with each course. The pasta course, homemade spaghetti with a simple meat sauce, was literally unbelievable: How could something so unpretentious taste so spectacular? (And it was an early course, so the wine hadn’t gotten to me yet.) I’ll never forget that experience.

After lunch I bought a mixed case at the Banfi store. Just for the hell of it, I bought a few bottles of their seemingly experimental “cheap” wine, Summus (probably the 1997, not sure). I’d never heard of it, but it was under $25 American, so why not? … Oh my freaking god was that good. By the time I drank it and went looking for more in the States, it had gotten great reviews and was expensive.
January 18, 2007

Oregon Jim
Does it really do any good at all to open a bottle of wine without decanting it? The breathing of a bottle it would seem to me is insignificant without at least pouring some out. Looking at it from a physics standpoint there is just very little air to wine interface from simply opening a bottle and letting it stand.

If I had a $60 dollar 4 year old Brunello I think I would decant it. But that is just me. I do like to eat good cheese with wine too. My favorite is 3 year old aged gouda. I will try the Piedmontian 3 milk cheese. I have a bottle of ‘03 Riecine Reserva – as close to Brunello as I own right now to drink with it.

Great show – Oregon Jim
January 18, 2007

JayZee
QOTD: Le Chiuse is my favorite Brunello. I think the best I’ve ever had was the 1990. Superb!
January 19, 2007

Valentin
That girl saved my day!
January 19, 2007

DJA
Great show. Gotta love those italian wine especially the reds.

And the follow up was grrrrrrrreeaat!
January 20, 2007

Vinacull
Gary,
This is absolutely within the TOP 10 best EPs I have ever seen. TREMENDOUSLY exciting to watch! Your comments on the Fattoria Pinino literally have me up out of my chair and getting on my coat to go buy a bottle now. Flipping through I saw one comment (#114, Oregon Jim) question how you could drink such wines with no decanting. Isn’t it the case that typically the wines are decanted for two or more hours and then poured back into the bottles in prep for the show? QOTD: 1990 Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona. When we drank it back in 1994, I did not have the wine vocabulary to do sufficient justice, but my experience was definitely in tune with RP’s 94pt review, and one of the most memorable brunellos I ever tasted because of the staggering concentration: “..a candidate for one of the finest Brunello di Montalcinos of the vintage. A thick-looking color suggests considerable intensity and extraction. The huge nose of black truffles, jammy black cherries, and toasty new oak is followed by a massively endowed, full-bodied, immensely concentrated wine that tastes almost sweet because of its exceptional ripeness and fruit density. No doubt there is significant tannin lurking beneath the layers of fat and glycerin. This is a terrific Brunello for drinking over the next 20 years. Unfortunately, as with so many great wines, quantities are miniscule”.
January 22, 2007

Miguelo DiMarco
I know what you mean about those polished ladies. I’m 38, though, look young enough to troll college campuses, but my recent girlfriends have been 45-50+ divorcees with grace that today’s youngin’s can’t begin to grasp – that Sophia Loren thing going on, who, by the way, I would love to date and she’s over 70: “Italiano impressionante!” And, of course, I like my wine like my women (don’t we all).
January 23, 2007

Josef Schrattbauer
HI Gery,

I LOve that Brunnello from Pennino. You have to see that wineyard at Tuscany. Really LOVLEY!!

josef
January 24, 2007

Wino4Life
recently

1995 Canalicchio di Sopra – still got years of life
January 24, 2007

Amy
where can I pick up a bottle of the pinino? I must have it!!!
January 26, 2007

bnot
Response to Comment 83 by Jeff Verrellen:

We stayed in a villa on the Tenuta Oliveta property two years ago. Drank alot of Tuscan wines in the two weeks we were there, but the home brew brunello was as good as any of them, if not better. They also release a Rosso which is the same wine but just gets bottled 12 months earlier. I have heard it described as a “mini-brunello” and it is a great wine at a lower price than the brunello. The 99 Tenuta Oliveto Brunello is on my Top Ten list. Get it while (IF) you can.
February 1, 2007

jeff verellen
Hey Bnot,
I instantly bought a few cases of the 2000 vintage, its still out there, I can still get it here(belgium).
February 9, 2007

Paul
Gary, great episode! My favorite Brunello was a 97 Fattoria Dei’ Barbi. Drank it about 6 months ago.
March 1, 2007

jp
great show…best in my opinion…2001 biondi santi brunello
April 29, 2007

JOEinLA
1997 Casanova di neri….
July 6, 2008

Oakmon's BF
I just had my first brunello. It was 2002 Casisano Colombaio Brunello di Montalcino for $35. I liked it. I like a lot of dry Italian reds. It had some oak and reminded me of Gabbiano Chianti which I last bought for about $8. Barring some circumstance requiring me to get rid of a lot of money, I probably wonâ€™t be buying a lot of brunello.
October 19, 2009

John J.
qotd just got a ‘00 fanti brunello i’m looking forward to

Gary, you should do a vin jaune episode

Brunello Di Montalcino Tasting and Reviews – Episode #167

Wines tasted in this episode:

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