CellarNote: Compleanno!

My youngest turned 12 and so did this. 

Just last month,  I was disappointed tasting the current release versions of this wine.  But this is why wine tasting is so subjective.  Has there been a stylistic shift at this winery?  Maybe.  Will the wines I tasted at Slow Wine come around and develop into something more?  Maybe, maybe not.  It's important, even critical to remember that when reading someone's impression about a wine, it represents 2 things.  First, it's a snap shot in time.  Period. 1 small data point.  Secondly, it's one person's impression.  If something is technically "wrong" with a wine, I will point it out.  But when a wine is well made, but not to my style preference, I try to get that across as well.  But to digress....

The 2001 CastelGiocondo Brunello by Frescobaldi is nothing short of astounding. The wine was not decanted and did not need it.  

In the glass, it's a deep purple, trending to reddish-black.  The aroma is incredibly complex. There's dark fruit, with leather and spices - but under that, is mushroom, turned earth, a slight smoked meat/gamey note and espresso.  It's fabulous.  In the mouth, the wine is perfectly orchestrated with rich black fruit, spice, licorice, coffee and herb flavors.  The balance is elegant and well achieved.  This wine still has a long life ahead of it. There is no rush, even as the tannins appear fully resolved.  So delicious now, I couldn't imagine it being better.  95 points.  About $40 upon release.  

The 2001 CastelGiocondo Brunello - 12 years old!

As part of the celebration, I was happy to unveil the new TuscanVines apparel.  These have already been very well received.  Check these babies out!

Front & Back Views

Allora......