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

2007 Il Palazzone Brunello Di Montalcino

This was one of the wines being poured at the recent 10 year anniversary celebration for "1 Percent for the Planet", an organization that brings businesses and non-profits together in order to direct funds toward thousands of important causes. I will be posting more about that evening and about 1 Percent FTP shortly, in the mean time, you can learn more on their website. Here is a note on the Il Palazzone 2007 Brunello, which was shared that night by the winery and winery owner Richard Parsons, who was one of the speakers. Thanks for sharing such a great wine!

2007 Il Palazzone Brunello Di Montalcino, 13.5% ABV
The nose is focused and solid, with Asian spice, wood and leather notes, dark strawberry and black cherry.  The spice carries through to the palate, which is still young and firm,with lean dark fruit, charred brambles, good balance and plenty of firm tannins on the finish. There is nice length here with incense and charred wood carrying on. More complexity developed over time in the two glasses that I enjoyed, which is always a good sign. It's a bit clunky at this time, but has all the components in good quantity to meld together with a little age. This is serious Brunello. 93 Pts