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Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2001
The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was one of the most talked about wines of Montalcino when it was first released a few years ago. The black color the wine had in its youth has begun to recede, yet this remains a rich, almost Amarone-like expression of Sangiovese that achieves an incredible level of density and sheer concentration. According to Abbruzzese the early spring hail reduced yields dramatically, which accounts for the wine's super-ripe style. I am not sure if yields alone can produce a wine that is this extreme, my guess is that decisions taken in the cellar had an influence as well. Nevertheless, the simple fact remains that this wine is a freak. There is no other wine in the estate's history - before or after - that even remotely resembles the style of the 2001. This is an outstanding wine, but one that needs to be considered on its own terms. Robert Parker's wine Advocate
Ratings on Delectable
Mike Saviage 
Dark tawny color. Great Brunello nose. Notes of black fruit, dried brush, some dusty earth and some wood. Tannins integrated nicely and a well balanced delivery. In a great spot.
Dark tawny color. Great Brunello nose. Notes of black fruit, dried brush, some dusty earth and some wood. Tannins integrated nicely and a well balanced delivery. In a great spot.
9.4Mike Saviage
Dark scarlet, opaque. Great nose. Notes of black cherries, plums, an old oak desk, some mocha and a hint of menthol. Silky in the mouth. Sappy fruit. Nice performance tonight.
Dark scarlet, opaque. Great nose. Notes of black cherries, plums, an old oak desk, some mocha and a hint of menthol. Silky in the mouth. Sappy fruit. Nice performance tonight.
9.3
Daron Watson
treacle, walnut liqueur, dark berry patch on the nose ~ black raspberry, blackberry, mulberry, cassis w dusty mocha & fudge brownie finish ~ slightly hollow in the mid palate
treacle, walnut liqueur, dark berry patch on the nose ~ black raspberry, blackberry, mulberry, cassis w dusty mocha & fudge brownie finish ~ slightly hollow in the mid palate
9.3Mike Saviage
Dark scarlet ruby. Almost opaque. Nice perfume with notes of blackberries, rose petals, hickory and a little menthol. Very big in the mouth. Lots of fruit with plenty of structure to match. Very nice.
Dark scarlet ruby. Almost opaque. Nice perfume with notes of blackberries, rose petals, hickory and a little menthol. Very big in the mouth. Lots of fruit with plenty of structure to match. Very nice.
9.3
Robert McCall
Oh my!
Oh my!
9.5
James Parker Huston, CWE
Sommelier Charlie Palmer
A lot of new oak on this monster Sangiovese. Tastes like a Napa Cult Cab to me.
A lot of new oak on this monster Sangiovese. Tastes like a Napa Cult Cab to me.
9.5
Patrick Derdeyn
Brunello that is right in that prime spot of secondary development and residual fruit. This continued to develop over several hours. Really interesting.
Brunello that is right in that prime spot of secondary development and residual fruit. This continued to develop over several hours. Really interesting.
9.3John Sweeney
Absolutely fantastic... Still needs time but very impressed.
Absolutely fantastic... Still needs time but very impressed.
10
Peter Marks
Master of Wine, Educator Constellation Brands
Perfectly ready to drink. Allspice, dried plums and white ash.
Perfectly ready to drink. Allspice, dried plums and white ash.
9.3
Eric W Brown
Well aged brucellosis. Delightful
Well aged brucellosis. Delightful
9.1
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