With the holidays approaching there is no better time than now to indulge your taste for well-aged wines from great producers. We have stocked our cabinet with a lode of mature Italian wine (and a little French too) that would make wonderful gifts to you or your loved ones. This week we are featuring a stellar selection from Tuscany. In most cases we only have a few bottles of each of the wines listed so act fast!
Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino “Schiena d’Asino” 2004
$105
This cru Brunello is made from fruit sourced from the “Schiena d’Asino” (donkey’s back), a south-eastern facing, one-hectare site that takes its name from its unusual shape. The vines are on average thirty-five years old and less-densely planted. As a result Mastrojanni’s oldest vineyard is also its lowest yielding: the wine isn’t released every year and of the 2004 vintage only 4,896 bottles left the winery. The wine is aged in 15-hectoliter Allier oak barrels for three-and-a-half years and in the bottle for between nine months to a year. This tremendous vintage is already drinking superbly, but will happily age for several years to come.
Castello di Rampolla d’Alceo 2003
$180
2003 was a very warm year in Tuscany but despite the heat Tachis delivered a Tre Bicchieri-winner that reflects triumphant vintages past but overflows with its own exuberant charm and unctuous, decadent fruit. Vigna d’Alceo is Rampolla’s benchmark blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino 2001
$115
This classic expression of big-barrel-aged Sangiovese is crafted by the strong but gentle hands of Olga Peluso Centolani out of pristine fruit grown on four hectares between the villages of Montalcino and S.Angelo in Colle. The vineyard’s southwestern exposure and elevation provide warm days and cool nights that stretch the growing season and provide full phenolic ripeness.
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino “Poggio Banale” 2001
$130
Poggio Banale represents the pinnacle of winemaking in Montalcino for those of us who like our Brunello with a sexy, new-world polish. Rigorously selected fruit is de-stemmed, crushed and fermented in French oak barriques both new and used. After fermentation the wine is left to age for four year in both barriquesand botti. The Wine Spectator awarded the 2001 vintage 95 points.
Castello di Rampolla Sammarco 2000
$109
Castello dei Rampolla cemented its reputation as a leading producer of SuperTuscans with this silky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Winemaking legend Giacomo Tachis knows well the potential power in the soils of Panzano in the heart of Chianti Classico and wields this knowledge with impressive finesse.
Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara 1997
$150
1997 was a landmark year in Montalcino and Silvio Nardi took full advantage with this opulent example of modern winemaking. At release the ‘97 Manachiara was big and dense with chunky tannins and a powerful streak of new French oak. It was lauded as a nearly perfect glimpse into the future of the appellation. It still rocks today with the same ostentatious fruit but better integrated oak and much silkier tannins. A must-have for any fan of the ‘97 vintage.
Tenuta Friggiali Brunello di Montalcino 1997 Riserva
$185
Friggiali remains one of the most respected names in Montalcino. From their perch near the village of S. Angelo in Colle the Centolani family has burnished a reputation for expressing the unique terroir of Montalcino through rigorous vineyard management and a disciplined focus on fundamentals in the cellar. Their 1997 Riserva is only getting better.
For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.