Brunello de Montalcino

We are participating in wine tasting for higher end wines. Generally in a price range that most of us don’t normally purchase in. I suggested Brunello as a category and was given the job of sourcing the wine for that category. We’ll be buying from a single vendor due to the 15% markdown for cash purchases.

This is what is currently available. I have not tried any of them, but chose the best vintages available. But I was hoping for some more input here with regards to QPR and actual opinions on the wines themselves.

2001 Donna Olga Brunello de Montalcino $111.46 / btl

2001 Valdicava Brunello de Montalcino $158.94 / btl

1997 Valdicava Brunello Riserva de Montalcino $211.75 / btl

1999 San Felice Brunello Riserva “Il Quercione” $127.57 / btl

Thanks,

Richard

Costco has the 2001 Bellini Brunello di Montalcino for $15 right now (except the two Costcos in Indianapolis. They don't have any. None. Don't even bother looking. Really. They're out. Would I kid you? They might get more- I'll report back after I go there.).

They have a few more on their website, at a wide range of prices- http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=Brunello&N=0&Ntt=Brunello&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search


Poggio Antico Riserva
Brunello di Montalcino
2000
3 Liter
Wine Enthusiast 94
$399.99

Calbello
Brunello di Montalcino
Wine Spectator 90
$51.99

Argiano
Brunello di Montalcino
2001
Wine Spectator 92
$49.99

Camigliano
Brunello di Montalcino
2001
Wine Enthusiast 91
$44.99

Val di Suga
Tenimenti Angelini
Brunello di Montalcino
2001
Wine Spectator 90
$39.99

Just trying to help. I look forward to the reviews.

Richard,

I don't think that any of those that you are considering are ready to drink. We give all well constructed Brunellos at least fifteen years. As you know, most high end wines need age. Recommend that you either pick wines that are aged out, or get high end ready to drinks.

Carl,

Do you have any reccos for vintage ready Brunellos?

Richard

Wine-searcher only shows two '92s; one in Cincinatti and the other in CA. You might bang on some doors down there.

Cheers, Carl

I'm with Carl - it's way too soon to be popping '01s and I think, in light of the cost of the bottles you are considering, you'd be setting yourself up for disappointment.

If you go with 97s remember that they are not considered typical Brunello; I think they could stand some more bottle age in any case.

If you can find '00s in your market they should be drinking well now - and the bottle cost should be significantly less than the ones you mention.

A poster above mentioned some Brunello at a $15 price point - no offense, but I'd be wary of any Brunello selling at that price.

'96 Brunellos are drinking quite well right now,,and sometimes can be found for a bargain price.

Any opinions on how the 1990 are drinking ? I seem to be running across some of those.

Thanks,

richard