1998 Brunello di Montalcino
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino, a deep and dark ruby/garnet, presents ample raspberry and black fruit together with coffee, caramel, and smoky tones on the nose. The oak is a bit more perceptible on the palate, with coconut and cloves in a context of medium weight, good focus, continuity, and finesse. Only a slight dryness on the finish prevents the score from going higher, but this is one of the characteristics of the vintage. Drink: 2005-2012. Baldassare Filippo Fanti is president of the Brunello producers’ consortium; more importantly for readers, he is also the owner of some excellent vineyards just to the north of Castelnuovo d’Abbate, prime territory for fine Brunello. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Extraordinarily deep crimson – perhaps the deepest colour of all. Very slight caricature of Brunello but a serious, well balanced treacly/molasses-like attempt to please. Dry finish but deep flavours and well-intentioned. (JR)
Saturated medium ruby. Aromas of raspberry, mocha, nuts and smoky oak. Dense, fat and sweet, with an exotic and somewhat odd floral character and firm framing acidity. Slightly dry on the finish, with firm but fine tannins.