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Monday, December 9, 2013

Rustic, Earthy, Brunello



~ Vines on the La Lecciaia Estate ~

I've had enough Brunello to know that when you see one for sale under $25 you should be wary.  In addition to my time honored axiom of "producer over vintage" there's another I like to remember: "You almost always get what you pay for. Almost."  So when I came across the subject of today's article for $24.99 recently, I lowered my expectations appropriately but the hook was seated and I had to try one.  One is enough.
 
The 2007 La Lecciaia Brunello is a solid wine.  It's a medium ruby with a pronounced copper hue at the rim that seemingly fades into the bowl and blends with the ruby to portray an almost brown color.  Ample aromas of earth, mushroom and red cherry are easily discernible.  On the palate, the wine is at most medium bodied and feels lighter. There's a good core of cherry fruit, more earthy components and touch of old wood/cedar.  This would be a really interesting Rosso di Montalcino and that's why I'm left wanting.  This would be the value of the decade if it delivered. But it doesn't.  It's a nice wine - almost a Rosso that someone mislabeled.  And since I "want what I *think* I'm buying" when I select a Brunello, this one is a failure. There are better wines for less money.  
 
Overall, an earthy, midweight Sangiovese that isn't offensive but doesn't reach the heights that the appellation suggests it should.  87 points.  $24.99

~ Tasty - but just that.  Doesn't live up to it's name ~
E vero!

2 comments:

  1. John, I've learned the lesson of $25 Brunello too. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yep, we continue to live and we continue to learn.

    ReplyDelete