2001 Valdicava, Brunello di Montalcino 1×1.5L

Vinous 92

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino shows no sign of its age through its color or bouquet. It opens slowly in the glass with a beautiful display of black cherries, cedar nuances, cinnamon and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar. It’s silky in texture with a pronounced inner sweetness, ushering in ripe red and hints of blue fruit enlivened by zesty acids. There’s only a slightest hint of tannin here. A framework of tension is found through lingering tart berries and savory spice that creates the perfect punctuation to this lovely wine. It’s amazing considering just how dense and powerful the 2001 was upon release. Today it is perfectly structurally mature, while remaining incredibly primary and fresh. I’d be interested in seeing where this wine is in another five years. I tasted this a full twenty-four hours after pulling the cork, and the 2001 was still as fresh as it was upon opening. Tasted from the importer’s reserve cellar. [Eric Guido, 11/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2028

Robert Parker 92

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was one of the most talked about wines of Montalcino when it was first released a few years ago. The black color the wine had in its youth has begun to recede, yet this remains a rich, almost Amarone-like expression of Sangiovese that achieves an incredible level of density and sheer concentration. According to Abbruzzese the early spring hail reduced yields dramatically, which accounts for the wine’s super-ripe style. I am not sure if yields alone can produce a wine that is this extreme, my guess is that decisions taken in the cellar had an influence as well. Nevertheless, the simple fact remains that this wine is a freak. There is no other wine in the estate’s history ” before or after – that even remotely resembles the style of the 2001. This is an outstanding wine, but one that needs to be considered on its own terms. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021 [10/01/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021