I have been inspired for a number of days to drink a few 1997 Brunello di Montalcinos following the news of President Obama giving a bottle of 1997 Poggio Antico Altero as a birthday present to the Speaker of the House, John Boehner.
I thought I might have a bottle of the actual wine in my cellar but I only found a few others such as 1997 Banfi and 1997 Caparzo Riserva. So I decided to pull the corks on them anyway last night during dinner with my coworkers in Italy.
The Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura was corked! That was a shame because I had the wine this summer and it was delicious. Here is the note from last summer: Very decadent and spicy on the nose with dried fruits and plums. Full and juicy with velvety tannins and a long flavorful finish. This is still fresh and youthful. Drink now or hold. 93 points.
The Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva last night was outstanding quality. It was so balanced and refined with a deep and intriguing bouquet. Here is the note I wrote during the dinner: A very balanced wine that shows blackberries, fresh mushrooms, and flowers on the nose. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and shows a beautiful length. 93 points.
The two wines certainly show that 1997 Brunellos are still drinking wonderfully as long as they have been stored properly. They are aging beautifully even though some people say that the 1997s did not have the structure to improve with age. In fact, I believe that the current quality of 1997 Brunellos underlines why the vintage was considered one of the great years in Tuscany, and in particular the appellation of Brunello di Montalcino.
This is why I think it’s great that the President chose a 1997 to give to his colleague in Congress. It shows that the President obviously knows a lot about Italian wines since he was always enjoying Italian wine and food in Chicago where he was a Congressman for many years. He obviously likes wines with finesse and style – another commendable character of our President.
Just for the record, here is a recent tasting note for the 1997 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero: Aromas of cherries, plums and hints of cream follow through to a full body, with firm and racy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Lots of minerally undertones. Drink or hold. 92 points.
