Back when the 1997 vintage was released, there was a lot of fanfare and hype. Some bought into it and some didn't. But, the prices rose dramatically and at the time, this was one of the better values in Brunello (around $40). I was curious how well this held up. Sadly, after all this time, the bottle was corked (TCA). What a shame.
Cantina di Montalcino is the only cooperative in the Brunello DOCG. It has just under 100 members who are for the most part, small vineyard owners. This is an excellent wine and don't be afraid of buying from a co-op. The vintage, 2017, was hot and dry, and the wines produced were more generous and flashy than a more typical vintage. The wine is purple in color, ruby at the rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, dried cherries, cigar tobacco, spice and slight char. Full bodied with medium to firm tannins. On the palate, cherries, black cherries with som
I wondered if this were past prime, but no, it is drinking beautifully (at least this bottle). Ruby/purple in color. The nose has cherries, dried cherries, sandalwood and tea leaves. On the palate, this is medium bodied. complex and layers of cherries, dried cherries and forest floor. Great acidity. Perfect at the dinner table. Long finish. Everything I want out of cellaring a wine for 20 years. Still fresh and vibrant but also mature and complex. Certainly no point in waiting on these.
