Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94+ Points
Good full ruby-red with a garnet rim. Brooding nose opens slowly with aeration to offer delicate hints of lively red cherry, underbrush and flint. Rich, dense and suave, with outstandingly precise red berry and mineral flavors complicated by delicate notes of licorice, chestnut and underbrush. Finishes extremely long and pure, with a seamless quality to the classic sangiovese flavors. A knockout: this is Brunello 101 for anyone wishing to understand--or to make--a great sangiovese wine. Brunello doesn't get much better than this in 2008. Another very fine addition to the legacy of Franco Biondi-Santi, who passed away this year.
Wine Spectator 92 Points A vivid red, courtesy of its high acidity, driving cherry and raspberry flavors to the long finish. Spice, briar and earth notes are complementary, and the conclusion mouthwatering. Best from 2016 through 2030.
Wine Advocate 92 Points The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is quite pretty in this vintage. It displays a classic profile of underbrush, tobacco, smoke, licorice and black cherries. The tannins are firm but nicely balanced. I expect the 2008 will drink well with minimum cellaring. It is one of the more open Brunellos I can remember tasting here. Still, there is plenty of Biondi Santi kick in the wine’s acidity and tannin profile. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2038.
Production area: Montalcino
Vineyards´ age: From 10 to 25 years
Grapes: Sangiovese grosso 100%
Harvesting: late September
Vinification: in red, controlled temperature
Ageing: 3 years in Slavonian oak casks
Refining in bottle: at least four months
Organic Characteristics:
Colour: intense ruby red
Bouquet: complex with note of withered rose
Taste: harmonic, well structured, warm, tannins and acidity in perfect equilibrium, persistent and savoury
Aging: 30 - 40 years
Serving temperature: 18ºC or 64ºF
Alcohol: 13%
Wine Spectator 92 Points A vivid red, courtesy of its high acidity, driving cherry and raspberry flavors to the long finish. Spice, briar and earth notes are complementary, and the conclusion mouthwatering. Best from 2016 through 2030.
Wine Advocate 92 Points The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is quite pretty in this vintage. It displays a classic profile of underbrush, tobacco, smoke, licorice and black cherries. The tannins are firm but nicely balanced. I expect the 2008 will drink well with minimum cellaring. It is one of the more open Brunellos I can remember tasting here. Still, there is plenty of Biondi Santi kick in the wine’s acidity and tannin profile. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2038.
Production area: Montalcino
Vineyards´ age: From 10 to 25 years
Grapes: Sangiovese grosso 100%
Harvesting: late September
Vinification: in red, controlled temperature
Ageing: 3 years in Slavonian oak casks
Refining in bottle: at least four months
Organic Characteristics:
Colour: intense ruby red
Bouquet: complex with note of withered rose
Taste: harmonic, well structured, warm, tannins and acidity in perfect equilibrium, persistent and savoury
Aging: 30 - 40 years
Serving temperature: 18ºC or 64ºF
Alcohol: 13%
