We had an opportunity to check in on a pair of Brunello recently; one a current release and another, a CellarNote.
I've been a fan of Lisini's wines seemingly forever. The 2001 bottling I enjoyed a little over a year ago was a particular high note in my memory. So I was excited to try the recently released 2006.
The wine was decanted for about 45 minutes before dinner and displayed a soft, inviting nose of cherry, sandalwood, spice and faint licorice. Rather muted. On the palate, the wine was more expressive. This medium ruby Brunello features a solid core of ripe berry fruit framed by light spice, earth and dried floral notes. It seems a little lighter in body than I would suspect. Perhaps it's in a phase and will benefit from cellaring like the 2001 did. It's tasty, but in a vintage like 2006, I expect greatness from Lisini. 89 points. About $50.
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| ~ 2006 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino ~ |
Like the great 2001 Lisini, we tasted another 2001 albeit in a more divergent style. The 2001 Castello Banfi Poggio Alle Mura Brunello is the fine result of the extensive clonal selection testing that the estate undertook in the late 1990's. This is a single vineyard wine lying just outside the castle walls from which the vineyard gets it's name.
In the glass the wine is a deep ruby red, bright with lots of reflections. The aroma on the nose is striking. There's violets and crushed fruit that mingles wonderfully with the licorice and spice. On the palate, the flavors follow the nose and are well delineated. Wonderful harmony here; class and finesse. This is very well balanced and is delicious now. No need to cellar further for my tastes. 92 points, about $50 upon release.
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| ~ The 2001 Poggio Alle Mura Brunello ~ |
John, I saw this 2006 Lisini yesterday, but the price was $62.99, and I thought I had read your comments, so I didn't bite (buy).
ReplyDeleteI did however, pick-up a 2008 Capanna Brunello for approx. $45!
Dennis, I've got a major 2008 Brunello report in the works but it will not include Capanna as of yet. On the Lisini, I'd STILL be tempted. I think it's going to come around. I'm not yet convinced that they missed the mark here. Can you get a discount on that price?
ReplyDeleteJohn, usually twice a year the stores I mostly buy from, have 15% discounts. While, other specific sales apply and sometimes overlap; these usually are my best bet!
ReplyDeleteYou understand that I try very hard to buy my wines only in New Hampshire with the only except being Tabarrini wines YOU recommended:) otherwise I'm note as able to advise NH wine shoppers, because few are willing to order from out of State!
I know this is self-limiting, but with something on the order of 5,000 wines to choose from, I'm plenty busy.
I know: TMI!