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My Rating (circle) :
Date Printed: 6/18/2013
Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1997
Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1997
 (search item no. 52160)
collectible wine

International Wine Cellar rating: 97 points
Wine Spectator rating: 94 points
PRICE ON 6/18/2013: $99.00

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2008 Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
2007 James Suckling rating: 94 points
2007 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
2007 The Wine Advocate rating: 91 points
2006 James Suckling rating: 95 points
2006 The Wine Advocate rating: 92 points
2006 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
2006 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
2006 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2006 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2004 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2004 International Wine Cellar rating: 93 points
2004 Wine & Spirits rating: 92 points
2003 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
2003 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2003 The Wine News rating: 90 points
2002 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
2001 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2001 Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
2001 International Wine Cellar rating: 91 points
2000 The Wine News rating: 93 points
2000 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2000 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
2000 Wine & Spirits rating: 89 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 94 points
1999 Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
1998 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
1998 The Wine News rating: 90 points
1998 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
1996 The Wine News rating: 90 points
1995 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
1995 Wine & Spirits rating: 92 points
1995 The Wine News rating: 92 points
1995 Wine Spectator rating: 91 points
1994 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
1993 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 Notably young, deep color, unburdened by excessive time in oak. Complex aromas, initially of red fruit and licorice with a discrete hint of vanilla; a minute or two of patience is rewarded by aromas of coffee, hazelnut, and plum jam. Its softness is well balanced on the palate; it is silky and caressing, giving the sensation of fullness and tone. The long finish is marked by notes of spice and jamminess, a sign of greatness to come.

Great with game, red meats, roasts, hearty stews and rich powerful cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.

My Notes:

Additional wines from Castello Banfi:

About Castello Banfi:

 In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, owners of the U.S. wine importer Banfi Vintners, established the award winning vineyard estate and winery Castello Banfi in the Brunello region of Tuscany. A constellation of single vineyards located on ideal sites cover about one third of the 7,100 acre (2,830 hectares) estate. The remaining land consists of bucolic meadows, olive and plum groves, and woodland. Central to the property is a medieval castle that functions as a hospitality center, hosting visitors at a full service restaurant, enoteca and museum dedicated to the history of glass and its relation to wine.