TN: 1999 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino - This is quite good

WINE TALK
1

1999 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino - Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

Popped and poured and served with food (orecchiette with broccoli rabe in case you are wondering). Followed over three hours. This speaks of Italy to me.
Wonderful nose of black licorice and cherries. The black licorice is not the Good and Plenty kind; rather, it is those little mouse turd pellets you get in the bar or tobacco shops in Italy. Strong unadulterated licorice that leaves your tongue black and covers up that stale espresso breath.
The wine has wonderful flavors of cherries and spice framed by that subdued licorice element. Italian plums as well. Nicely balanced with some tart, sour cherries. This says “I am from Tuscany. I am Brunello.”
Delicious wine.
For those of you keeping score at home, I am 92 points on this.
The label states that this is a rich, supple wine. Supple. Yes. I like that word.

2

The 97 was pretty tasty too. I think I drank my last bottle a couple of years back. This producer isn’t sexy enough to get too much love but the wines are usually pretty solid.

3

Thanks for the note. I have one bottle of the 1999 Banfi Brunello Poggio alle Mura that may be worth trying here soon.

Byron

4

Agree that the producer does not get much love, likely given the American ownership, large production and wide distribution.

I was recently disappointed with a 2000 from the producer. The 99 is a different story. I left some in the bottle so will get to check in and see how it is one day opened.

Byron - I had the 97 Poggio Alle Mura some six months back and it was delicious; it was in the “drink now” category as I could see it showing some signs of fading. Although I have no experience with the 99 Poggio Alle Mura, I would expect it should be outstanding.
Cheers.