It’s probably clear from previous blog posts that Italian wines are close to my heart. One of the driving factors of my going to Buffalo this past weekend is that City Wine Merchant, run by a friend of mine, was having an Italian wine tasting. The line-up included some amazing producers, including Gaja, Sandrone, and Ciacci Piccolomini.
The selections were well thought out and carefully distributed among the tables. There were roughly 25 wines in all. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by a Damilano Arneis Langhe 2008 that was a good palate cleanser after numerous, tannic, red samples.
My particular favorite on offer happened to be among the 2004 Brunellos. While no one disputes the elegance and magnificence of the 2004 vintage, some believe the price is overblown. One need look no further than the Jan. 6 column by Eric Asimov, writer for the New York Times, who thought the region in need of a “price calibration,” as was recently seen in the 2003 vintage by several local wine shops.
It did not deter me from buying a few bottles, however. I’d been familiar with Talenti’s 2004, which retails for roughly $54. I’ve also sampled and enjoyed Poggio di Sotto’s 2004, which runs above $100 per bottle. City Wine Merchant’s selection was by far more affordable than the latter, and the wines were offered at special pre-sale prices. Perhaps next year the vintage will be reduced, as the 2003 has been this year, but tasting such incredible wines, and knowing they will last for years, I couldn’t help myself.
Here are the Brunellos I particularly enjoyed from City Wine Merchant’s tasting, and that will soon find shelter in my Eurocave:
- Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2004
- Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Pianrosso 2004
- La Serena Brunello di Montalcino 2004
If you haven’t tried any of the above-mentioned Brunellos, or any Brunellos for that matter, I urge you to. You won’t be disappointed.
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