Biondi Santi   Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

By Biondi Santi

2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Biondi Santi, Montalcino, Italy

A true exemplar of fine wines from Italy, and specifically the hill town of Montalcino in Tuscany, the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi Santi dominates its terroir with an undeniable impression. The 2011 vintage stands head and shoulders apart within the assembly of their lauded catalog due to its distinct sense of personality and whispering notes of complexity.

 

Vintage Vibrance: Human Craft Meeting Nature's Magnanimity

The 2011 vintage was born of a year that nudged vineyards towards early budbreak followed by a warm growing season. Throughout the cycle of this particular year, the vines were treated to an abundance of sunshine complemented with just the right dance of raindrops, creating a balanced brilliance in every grape. The climatic serendipity has brought forth a wine that radiates all the innate grandeur of the Brunello while still responding to the unique conditions of its birth year.

Shining ruby red in its noble intensity, the sheer hue of this vintage is suggestive of the richness held within. It releases unmissable aromas cherry-plums carried aloft by an undercurrent of gently toasted spice. One sip ignites a cascading palette bearing the hallmark Sangiovese sophistication infused with remarkable depth and fullness born from a generous sun-kissed yield.

 

The Longevity and Investment Merits

In terms of wine investment, the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Biondi Santi presents an exciting proposition. The combination of harvesting practices and astute cellar management has birthed a bottle with pronounced age-worthiness – a crucial factor for any fine wine investment. The 2011 vintage, with its exceptional balance and structure, is primed to withstand the test of time, thereby ensuring an appreciable evolution of complexity and grace in coming years.

 

Conclusion: A Celebratory Cuvée

Both the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Biondi Santi and its composing year are flag bearers of the rich promise held by Montalcino, cultivating a compelling narrative woven keenly across the vines' yields. As elegant as it is impressive, this sculpted vintage is a testament to the harmonious dance of climate and winemaking – an ode to dynamism that eloquently scribes itself onto every willing palate.

Market price (HKD)

HK$38,140.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

332.5

Scores and tasting notes

92

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a bold and more articulate statement (compared to the 2012 Annata wine released at the same time). That extra year of aging has contributed to more powerful aromas of dark fruit, balsam herb and spice. There is extra fiber and texture here overall. This Riserva shows a higher degree of density and a tighter embroidery with dark fruit, spice and tobacco. Both 2011 and 2012 are warm vintages, and the wines produced do not boast the same level of bright acidity that you normally get from this estate. But, if there's one thing the wines of Biondi-Santi have demonstrated over the years, it is that they get better with time. Set this bottle aside in your cellar.

Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017

Vintage performance