1988 Brunello di Montalcino

At nearly thirty years of age, the 1988 Brunello di Montalcino remains bright, vibrant and full of life. Sweet red cherry and plum flavors are pushed forward, with deeper earthy, floral and spice notes that develop in the glass. An intriguing interplay of nuance and energy separates the 1988 from most wines in this range. It remains one of my favorite Soldera wines from the 1980s. This bottle is a bit softer than others have been, but the wine is still complete, super-expressive and inviting.

Vertical, fresh and nuanced, the 1988 Brunello di Montalcino exudes class. Soaring aromatics, a persistent spine of tannin and a total sense of delineation are the signatures. A host of mentholated, spiced notes resonate on the super-expressive finish. This first flight ends on a real high note

Absolutely stunning, the 1988 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that demands undivided attention. Huge tannins provide the backdrop as this dark, brooding Brunello struts its stuff. The flavors are dark and intense throughout, with tons of energy that gives the wine its focus and sense of direction. It’s hard to move on after the 1988, a wine that captures the essence of Sangiovese from Montalcino in this great vintage.