Soldera Case Basse 2001 Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino, 13% ABV

Opened, decanted, and poured, this note is based on an hour or so of time opening up with a beautiful NY Strip Steak.

 Early on, the nose shows musky / earthy aromas, along with sweet spice and sandalwood, over a base of pomegranate and dried strawberries. On the palate, there's a delicate sweetness and fine red cherry on the tip of the tongue that combines with the sweet acidity and firm tannins to create a very pleasant texture and mouth watering impact. This Brunello has that textural, spiced, earthy cherry character on the palate that I see in many of my favorites. The balance is perfect, with plenty of finesse, although it needs a lot of time to integrate and settle into the Soldera it will ultimately become. Later, notes of anise, faint smoke, vague spearmint, and more sandalwood grew on the nose and palate. The finish was long and pleasant with good grip. It's excellent now, but has so many components that should come together beautifully as it matures. 95Pts Tasted 5-25-13.