Thursday, February 18, 2010

The 2005 Brunellos


That the 2004 Brunellos and Brunello Riservas were showing great promise and maturity at the recent Vino 2010 Grand Tasting of Tuscany wines was no surprise. But that the 2005 Brunellos were performing so well was.

I tasted the 2005 from five favorite producers—Uccelliera, Casanuova delle Cerbaie, San Filippo, Mocali and Col D'Orcia—and found them all delicious, balanced and ready to enjoy right now. The pourers (who were in many cases also the makers) agreed. These weren't Brunellos for the ages, but they were a right-here-right-now treat. And a bargain, too. Because the vintage was unheralded, and because of the ailing economy, you'll get these wines at a good price. They're absolutely worth it, particularly the San Filippo, which is only $50. The wines are to be released in March.

And if you don't mind spending more money for your Brunello (about twice as much money, actually), you won't go wrong with the 2004 Riservas. They're long and dense now, but will be fantastic in a few years.

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