Biondi-Santi Brunello Riserva 1997

A small number of bottles (between 400 and 450) have been set aside for Biondi-Santi's successful late-release program. To be reintroduced to the market in March 2025, we have the very exciting 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. This vintage is remembered as a very warm one, and indeed, it can be seen as a precursor to some of the more recent hot vintages (like 2003 and 2017) that are often cited in discussions on climate change. In all, the 1997 vintage gave uneven results across the appellation. However, this wine crafted by the Biondi Santi family comes off as robust but elegant at the same time. It opens to a more saturated color and shows dark aromas of plum, tobacco, licorice root and camphor ash. I also get a sweet tone of honey or roasted chestnut. It closes with medium-plus intensity, resolved tannins and a characteristic pinch of acidity. (97) MONICA LARNER, tasted 2025

Boasting a brick red color, the 1997 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva reveals aromas of baked red cherries, leather, mushroomy earth, and Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied and lovely, with well-integrated tannins that still have definition, it has balanced acidity and a lovely, seamless feel. It's moving closer to its peak of maturation, but it's not showing any desiccation or signs of being over the hill. I would love to sit with a glass of this in the autumn and winter months, simply paired alongside some high-quality Pecorino cheese. Small quantities will be released in March of 2025. (98) JEB DUNNUCK, tasted 2025