1995-2001 Mixed Brunello di Montalcino Set III, 12-bottle Mixed Lot Brunello (Sangiovese clone) D.O.C.G.

1 bottle Per Lot

1999 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1999 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova

1 bottle Per Lot

1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura

1 bottle Per Lot

1996 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1996 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso

1 bottle Per Lot

1995 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1995 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

1 bottle Per Lot

2000 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

2000 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino

1 bottle Per Lot

2000 Fattoi Ofelio & Figli Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

2000 Fattoi Ofelio & Figli Brunello di Montalcino

1 bottle Per Lot

2001 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

2001 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino

1 bottle Per Lot

1997 Marchesi Antinori Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1997 Marchesi Antinori Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne

1 bottle Per Lot

1997 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino Sassetti Livio

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1997 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino Sassetti Livio

1 bottle Per Lot

1998 Tenuta Carlina Brunello di Montalcino La Togata

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1998 Tenuta Carlina Brunello di Montalcino La Togata

1 bottle Per Lot

1999 Tornesi Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

TYPE

Red Wine, Brunello (Sangiovese clone), D.O.C.G.

VINTAGE

1999 Tornesi Brunello di Montalcino

1 bottle Per Lot

2000 Villa A Tolli Brunello di Montalcino

750ml

RATINGS

96Wine Spectator

This balanced red is built for aging. Loads of strawberry, cherry and red licorice aromas. Full-bodied and very tannic, yet refined and polished, with a caressing texture. Long, long finish. A masterpiece. Best after 2004.

95Vinous / IWC

...nose of cinnamon, cedar, mint and iris. Wonderfully sweet in the mouth, with remarkably pure, fresh flavors of ripe plum, bing cherry and vanilla bean. Silky tannins and intriguing whiffs of cocoa and cassis on the lingering finish...

PRODUCER

Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi is the flagship estate of Banfi Vintners, which is owned and operated by the Mariani family of New York. The privately-held Banfi Vintners was founded by John Mariani Sr. in New York in 1919 when he started importing European wines to the U.S. Today Banfi Vintners is run by his grandchildren and the enterprise includes a large portfolio of wine estates in Europe and elsewhere. Castello Banfi owns 7,000 acres, 2,000 of which are planted to grape vines. The estate also grows olives, wheat, truffles and plums. Castello Banfi makes many wines, but is known especially for its Brunello di Montalcino and Sangiovese. It also makes several Super Tuscans including its Summus and Excelsus Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

1995-2001 Mixed Brunello di Montalcino Set III, 12-bottle Mixed Lot

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1999 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova

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1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura

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1996 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso

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1995 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

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2000 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino

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2000 Fattoi Ofelio & Figli Brunello di Montalcino

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2001 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino

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1997 Marchesi Antinori Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne

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1997 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino Sassetti Livio

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1998 Tenuta Carlina Brunello di Montalcino La Togata

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1999 Tornesi Brunello di Montalcino

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2000 Villa A Tolli Brunello di Montalcino

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