Given the attention that Brunello is afforded by serious collectors across the US, it seems downright shocking that a producer of the class of Stella di Campalto could still be somewhat under the radar. Ms. di Campalto came from outside Montalcino to pursue her passion of working the land, and she exudes an enthusiasm and curiosity that permeates her growing and production. Stella works her 5.5ha in full biodynamics and everything in the cellar is done with the lightest of touches. The energy, freshness and purity of this wine is both inspiring and comforting. Unlike the more score-crazy vintages of recent memory in Brunello ('01, '04, '06, '07), '08 was not showered with praise across the spectrum. While there are some who might regard the 'classic vintage' descriptor as a curse, for us it can often be a blessing. These vintages demand a more studied approach when purchasing, but there are frequently some exciting treasures to discover. As we always preach in Burgundy, truly great producers are at their best in more challenging vintages, and the skill and fine tuning of di Campalto is on full display in this stunning 2008. The wine is approachable now with a decant because of its finesse, grace and extremely fine tannins, but we have a hard time believing it will not continue to improve and develop for 15+ years.
Peter Marks
Master of Wine, Educator Constellation Brands
Dark spices, earth, cedar, dried red roses, with a bit of volatility that’s makes it only more complex and enjoyable. Probably at its peak now, but will last another decade.
Dark spices, earth, cedar, dried red roses, with a bit of volatility that’s makes it only more complex and enjoyable. Probably at its peak now, but will last another decade.
9.3Benjamin Silver
Very enjoyable stylistically, balance wise & elegance. Definitely well crafted! It was a bit shut down, & would like more complexity at that price. May be bottle variation, will open 2nd bottle in a few years, but also will try to source more recent vintages. 13.5% alc
Very enjoyable stylistically, balance wise & elegance. Definitely well crafted! It was a bit shut down, & would like more complexity at that price. May be bottle variation, will open 2nd bottle in a few years, but also will try to source more recent vintages. 13.5% alc
9.1Delectable Wine
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If you don't know Brunello's Leading Lady already, you better start. Stella's 2008 Brunello is a perfect example of how elegant Sangiovese from Montalcino can be in a classic vintage. Drink now but don't forget to save some to drink in a couple of years!
If you don't know Brunello's Leading Lady already, you better start. Stella's 2008 Brunello is a perfect example of how elegant Sangiovese from Montalcino can be in a classic vintage. Drink now but don't forget to save some to drink in a couple of years!
Tom Kobylarz
Exceptional and pure immediately come to mind and are affirmed over 2-3 hours. This is Sangiovese Grosso in a very Burgundian, transparent and very pure expression. A new producer of sorts, the earliest wines were in 2006 under this label from what I recall. Being my first Stella the color is uncommonly lighter for a Brunello than you would expect. The nose is pure, with elegant raspberry and strawberry fruits that meld with Earthy minerality, mushroom and spice into a beautiful, sensual perfume. The palate continues the purity party, marrying a persistence and depth that reminds me again of Burgundy. A long finish carries the fruit, fresh acids and the fine, supple tannin. As great as it is now, will it reach even more heights? Only time will tell. #brunello #sangiovese
Exceptional and pure immediately come to mind and are affirmed over 2-3 hours. This is Sangiovese Grosso in a very Burgundian, transparent and very pure expression. A new producer of sorts, the earliest wines were in 2006 under this label from what I recall. Being my first Stella the color is uncommonly lighter for a Brunello than you would expect. The nose is pure, with elegant raspberry and strawberry fruits that meld with Earthy minerality, mushroom and spice into a beautiful, sensual perfume. The palate continues the purity party, marrying a persistence and depth that reminds me again of Burgundy. A long finish carries the fruit, fresh acids and the fine, supple tannin. As great as it is now, will it reach even more heights? Only time will tell. #brunello #sangiovese
9.6Chris MacLean
Not as great as the last time I had this wine. Still much to like (earthy, layered fruit) but a slight plummy turn seemed to indicate a storage/transfer problem.
Not as great as the last time I had this wine. Still much to like (earthy, layered fruit) but a slight plummy turn seemed to indicate a storage/transfer problem.
9.1Eric Guido
The 2008 is the ‘Old Man’ according to Stella. Honestly, I don’t get her meaning, as this was pure class and extremely vibrant in the glass. A dark, rich display of red fruit gave way to wet stone minerality, savory spices, and leather. On the palate, I found silky textures contrasted by vibrant acidity, with persistent red fruits in a tense display that was full of energy and verve. The finish displayed tart red fruits and spice that clung to the senses while mouthwatering acidity worked to wash the palate clean. This is a gorgeous bottle of young Brunello
The 2008 is the ‘Old Man’ according to Stella. Honestly, I don’t get her meaning, as this was pure class and extremely vibrant in the glass. A dark, rich display of red fruit gave way to wet stone minerality, savory spices, and leather. On the palate, I found silky textures contrasted by vibrant acidity, with persistent red fruits in a tense display that was full of energy and verve. The finish displayed tart red fruits and spice that clung to the senses while mouthwatering acidity worked to wash the palate clean. This is a gorgeous bottle of young Brunello
9.4Christopher Stadler
Roasty, gamey, stewed fruit & tomato
Roasty, gamey, stewed fruit & tomato
9.4Chris MacLean
The previous 20 Italian wines represent my highlights from our tastings at Vinitaly 2015. I think this was my overall favorite.
The previous 20 Italian wines represent my highlights from our tastings at Vinitaly 2015. I think this was my overall favorite.
9.6Raj Harb
06 & 08 side by side. 08 took a lot of air to come alive. Still quite stern. 06 more open. Sensed some va initially. It eventually straightened out and overtook the 08
06 & 08 side by side. 08 took a lot of air to come alive. Still quite stern. 06 more open. Sensed some va initially. It eventually straightened out and overtook the 08
9.4Rodolfo Coppel
Magnum
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9.5Location
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