After several amazing showings by their delicious 2009 Rosso di Montalcino I had been on the lookout for Mastrojanni’s Brunello. I recently stumbled upon a stash at an amazing price, so I jumped at the chance and recently took one along to a great local restaurant that features “No Corkage Fee Mondays”.
The 2004 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino scared me at first. It had not been decanted and at first sip, the wine displayed a slight stemmy bitterness to the tannins. However, my fears were allayed as the wine warmed and the evening progressed. It’s vibrant violet to garnet in the glass. Aromas are classic Brunello – cedar, warm earth, crushed berries and herbs. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied. Huge masses of fruit sit on the midpalate. It’s layered with wild berries, fresh herbs, leather, and sweet pipe tobacco. Balanced well, with acids and tannins to match the structure of the fruit, this is really in need of a year or two in the cellar. You will be rewarded. 93 points, about $38.
2006 and 2007 will got lots of attention from the wine press. But 2004 is a tremendous vintage. I prefer it to 2007 and it’s only a slight tick under 2006. The latter will showcase wines that have slightly more complexity. However, don’t shy away from the 2004’s if you see them. They are still around, and because of the hype of the later vintages, they will represent great value.
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| 2004 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino |
John, time to get a 007 camera!
Hmm, I'm James Bond impaired, so I'm not sure what you mean here. 🙂
John, when I'm like this, it's best to ignore me!
Ha! ok 🙂