Winery - Castello Banfi
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This wine and many like it were caught in the Brunello fraud scandal that rocked Montalcino in 2008. Whether it mirrors tradition or not, there’s no doubt that this is a well-crafted wine. It opens with an inky dark color and offers aromas of red fruit, chopped herbs and spice.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Poggio alle Mura, a special selection Brunello from Castello Banfi, exhibits depth, intensity and a very clean palette of aromas. There is forest berry, drying mineral, exotic spice and green curry leaf. The wine is firm and compact without being nervous or sharp.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from near Montalcino shows plenty of youthful character. It has deep earth, tobacco and tar notes on a black-fruit nose, expansive cassis and blackberry flavors, and a tight, structured mouthfeel that should relax if given the three or so years it deserves. Very New World in style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Syrah from central Tuscany? Sure. The ’98 version of Colvecchio, an offering from a hot year, is leaner than might be expected and short on dimension. It has lots of oak up front and an abundance of spicy, tart red fruit in the middle. The oak kicks up on the finish as well. The effort is there and the fruit seems sound, but tartness is the overriding impression it leaves.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Mariani family has produced a hugely concentrated, wood-dominated wine with powerful smoky aromas and concentrated black, ripe, chunky fruit. It’s heavy on the berries, both in the rustic, brambly nose and on the deep, tight, classy palate. Toasty flavors come through the fruit, but these will soften and blend in with aging. Unlike many Brunellos, this one is drinkable right now, but could be cellared for 10 years or more.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Fans of full-bodied reds should like this Cabernet/Merlot blend for its pure berry and mint aromas, its ruby luster, and dry, clean raspberry and chocolate flavors. There are full tannins now, indicating that it will age well for about five years, maybe more. And it finishes nicely.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Dark ruby red in appearance, this bright Brunello opens with vibrant fruit tones that fall harmoniously in step with spicy, oak-driven aromas. Although the wine drinks young now, it has the natural acidity and tannic structure for aging another five years or more.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Castello Banfi’s cru expression of Brunello, Poggio alle Mura, is a dark and delicious Brunello with a vertical aromatic delivery of blackberry, currants, plums, cola, mesquite and spice. Sweet oak flavors of vanilla spread over the palate and the wine has impressive consistency and persistency.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The last time this special Riserva was produced was in 1999. Only produced in excellent vintages, the 2004 expression shows amazing concentration, balance, complexity, depth and personality. Aromas include black cherry, cola, light smoke, graphite and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is deep, penetrating and long lasting with tight but polished tannins. Drink after 2015.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Castello Banfi’s bright and fruit-forward Rosso di Montalcino would make a perfect match to grilled lamb chops or roast pork. The wine is simple and genuine yet the freshness of the fruit—with cherry, blackberry and raspberry overtones—makes it easy and fun to drink.
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