Three Brunello´s Of Late

1977 (?) Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio Alle Mura
Believed to be a 1977 (the vintage label is lost) and sold as such. At least it has to be before 1984 when Banfi bought the estate. I have had nice experiences in the past with older vintage of Poggio Alle Mura, but never tasted the 77. The nose is a bit murky when opened but just after 15 minutes in the glass it opens up and become clean and fine with notes of dried herbs, red currants, old leather, violets and some bonfire scents. Very, very good.
On the palate it is a bit more compact and angular with notes of dried cherries, dry herbs, tobacco road dust. Still some tannins that are drying out the finish. Much better on the nose. Went fine with the food though.
85p   (tasted 2018/02)

1988 Brunello di Montalcino, Livio Sassetti
A fine, mature nose with notes of dark cherries marinated in Armagnac, tobacco, old leather, warm rosemary and Tuscan gravel. A fine roundness and depth. Very, very good. Perfectly mature.
The taste still has vigour and intensity with notes of tobacco, earth, dried cherries and herbs. A fine long, velvety finish. Drinking great.
91p   (tasted 2018/03)

2012 Brunello di Montalcino, Col di Orcia
The nose is wide open, higly likeable and salivating when popped and poured. It has notes of red currants, tobacco, fresh herbs where rosemary and sage are the most prominent ones, and that lovely scent of a warm Tuscan gravel road. Really good, although very young and primary.
The taste is fresh, juicy and fine but with a healthy dose of stuffing in the shape of polished tannins and a fresh acidity. Notes of red cherries, red currants, warm tiles, tobacco and gravel makes up the taste. Long and crisp. Will develop nicely over the coming 10 years.
91p   (tasted 2018/03)