Double Agent Wednesday - we sourced more of this ‘08 Brunello!

IF you like RUSTIC Old World wines with 10+ years in the bottle, this is your wine. Don’t let the tawny color fool you, it still has tons of tertiary complexity to offer along with dried fruits… And it’s still under $30?! We jumped on the very last 10 cases of this. Secure and savor first, then wonder how, we’re still scratching our heads here…

Join us on a top secret mission to Toscana Operatives, though not as exciting as being there, this traditional Brunello ‘takes you right to the Tuscan countryside.

Brunello, along with Barolo and Barbaresco, sits high atop the quality pyramid of Italy’s most collectible red wines. To put things into perspective, a single comparable bottle by the top traditionalist producer here can cost more than a whole 12-pack case of this!

Deep and saturated ruby-garnet with a narrow orange-brown edge forming with age. Plum and macerated raspberries lead the nose, smoky and spicy with wild fennel, rose and nutmeg follow. The palate comes forth with licorice, tobacco, and oolong adding sumptuousness to a concentrated, sensual mouthfeel. The layered, textured, complex, deep and long finish is with sweet fruits and infused herbal notes. Savor this treat of a red with traditional ‘Panzanella’ bread salad, pecorino, salami, dried fruits, and nuts.

Antonio Galloni praises Lecciaia as; “One of Montalcino’s under the radar estates. The estate makes as many as four separate Brunellos when conditions allow, and while that seems excessive, it’s hard to argue with the quality of what goes into the bottle, which is consistently good to outstanding. The wines show gorgeous Sangiovese purity and the straight Brunello often drinks well young, the wines are fairly classic in style across the board.” He also defines the 2008 Brunello vintage as; “a consumer’s vintage, approachable, easygoing, best served by focusing on the top estates and choosing bottles that can be enjoyed today”, an acute assessment that could not describe this wine better.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

92 Points – James Suckling - “Fresh vibrant fruity nose with strawberries and cherries. Delicate floral nose and crushed chalky notes. Same beautiful intense fruit on the palate with nice purity and focus. Tannins turn slightly bitter in the finish. Elegant Brunello. Drink now.”

91 Points – Wine Spectator - “A round, fruity version, boasting cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus and spice flavors on a silky frame. This is harmonious and vibrant, with a long aftertaste of tobacco and black tea. Drink now through 2023.”

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast - “ This unique Brunello shows aromas of ginger snap, cinnamon, cherry cola and wild forest berry. The aromas are delivered in a delicate manner, with tiny footprints, that add to the overall complexity and elegance of the experience. Violets, wet earth and button mushroom appear on the close. ”