2005 Il Palazzone Brunello Di Montalcino

Here's a bit of advice; buy wine from very good producers in less-than-great vintages. Why? Because the reputation of the vintage either impacts the price (lower) or reduces demand (increasing availability). This is to the consumer's advantage, because the quality of a solid producer prevails despite the challenging vintage. Here is a case in point. Il Palazzone, along with a number of other top wineries in Montalcino, makes solid Brunello in just about any circumstance. 2005 was a vintage that saw rain at harvest time, and has been described as a less than stellar year. Yet, in tasting their '05, you probably wouldn't suspect there were any major difficulties; at least that was my impression. Is it 2004? No. But it is still thoroughly satisfying, and of excellent standing.

2005 Il Palazzone Brunello Di Montalcino, 13.5% ABV
The nose has notable perfume and floral notes hovering over spiced cherry fruit. There's a subtle core of richness to the fruit. The palate is medium weight with a wonderfully textured dark red cherry that coats the mouth with finessed flavor. Again, Asian spice enhances the fruit, along with good aromatic action. The structure is subtle, but quite sufficient. Later, the fruit tends more toward aromatic blackberry. The finish is long and satisfying, with sweet tobacco and easy tannins. The amplitude is low, but the quality is high. 91 Pts