Every once in a while, it pays to be patient; and this was surely one of those occasions. Dusted off the 1995 Castello Banfi Excelsus with dinner the other night and it was glorius, easily calling attention to it’s name, of Latin roots for “the highest excellence”.
1995 was the inaugural vintage for this wine. Based then in 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot, the blend has now reversed beginning with the 2007 vintage which is not yet to market. This wine was full and rich, throwing a fine coffee grind like sediment, that I decanted off about 90 minutes before dinner. The nose was full of berries, leather, espresso and spice. Flavors followed the nose and the wine is seamless – elegant yet with an underlying power. Balanced with acids and tannins to provide structure. Those tannins are mostly resolved so if you have these, now’s a great time to pop the cork. Delicious with veal chop Milanese. 93 points.
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| 1995 Castello Banfi Excelsus |
February 7, 2012
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