2004 Brunello di Montalcino

Throughout the whole period of the development ofthe vine – from April to the end of August – the weather was excellent. It was marked by alternating rain and sunshine, in exactly the right moments for the needs of the vineyards. The persistent spring showers brought a considerable accumulation of water in the soil and this reserve helped the plants overcome the summer heat. July and August were hot and sunny but there were days of cooler temperatures and even some rain. The benefits of the balanced weather of the year 2004 were added to the characteristics of the soil and the geographic position of the territory. The harvest took place in the standard period, neither before nor later than usual and went on until 20 October. A refinement of the maroon and gold label, and the alcohol continues to climb. Not as concentrated, nor as purple a colour, as the 1997. This is medium-deep ruby-garnet and looks more convincingly like aged Sangiovese. Mmm. Heady and satisfying on the nose! Lovely grace notes of freshness on top of clearly very ripe fruit. Very Brunello-ish. Rather majestic in terms of ripeness but overall savoury and tangy (Sangiovese farmyard!) rather than sweet. Pure briary refreshment. Very neat and well contained, with much more fragrance than the 1997. (JR)