Critic: Monica Larner

Tasted: 21-NOV-24

Drinking Dates: 2010-2040

Score: 97

A small number of bottles (between 400 and 450) have been set aside for Biondi-Santi's successful late-release program. To be reintroduced to the market in March 2025, we have the very exciting 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. This vintage is remembered as a very warm one, and indeed, it can be seen as a precursor to some of the more recent hot vintages (like 2003 and 2017) that are often cited in discussions on climate change. In all, the 1997 vintage gave uneven results across the appellation. However, this wine crafted by the Biondi Santi family comes off as robust but elegant at the same time. It opens to a more saturated color and shows dark aromas of plum, tobacco, licorice root and camphor ash. I also get a sweet tone of honey or roasted chestnut. It closes with medium-plus intensity, resolved tannins and a characteristic pinch of acidity.

Critic: Aldo Fiordelli

Tasted: 28-FEB-20

Drinking Dates: 2020-2040

Score: 99

The celebrated 1997 vintage was, generally speaking, overestimated in Tuscany and most of the wines are today more evolved than expected. It was considered one of the best vintages of the 20th century for two key reasons: it was the warmest harvest of the cool 1990s, and there were some excellent wines from the coolest spots for Sangiovese. Biondi Santi's steep hill of Il Greppo and its BBS11 clone loves warm vintages and certainly they have pushed the reputation of the year. The quality of this Riserva is immediately clear: the outstanding freshness of the attack is still there, and the palate shines for the savoury red berries melded with hints of wild fowl, liquorice stick and Earl grey, increasing its citrus elegance. It displays the perfect balance of structural elements, still tense with velvety tannins. The sweet cherry kernel flavours sit on a broader than usual palate, with not quite firm acidity.

Critic: Bruce Sanderson

Tasted: 31-OCT-12

Drinking Dates: -

Score: 95

A ripe expression, showing broad shoulders, this is still monolithic and dense at 15 years. Cherry, plum and stony aromas and flavors are supported by fresh acidity and dusty tannins. The tight finish contains a mineral element. Opens up with time in the glass, but could use another 5 to 10 years of aging.--Biondi-Santi non-blind retrospective (July 2012). Best from 2020 through 2060. 1,478 cases made. –BS