1996 Soldera (Case Basse) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
Soldera’s 1996 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is in fine shape. I chose to serve it at this portion of our lunch as I thought the 1996 would be less interesting than the more important vintages of the 1990s, but that turned out to be only partly true. In another setting, the 1996 would have likely stolen the show. In this tasting, it is merely outstanding. Dark, powerful, yet also incredibly elegant, the 1996 offers a compelling interplay of dark-toned fruit wrapped into a muscular, tannic frame. Production was down sharply in 1996. As a result, Soldera bottled just one wine, a blend from the Case Basse and Intistieti vineyards. This is a superb bottle.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Soldera's 1996 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a bit burly and rough around the edges. The 1996 is not an especially refined wine, nor does it have the inner sweetness of the very best vintages, but it is a good choice for current drinking, if given a good bit of air. Smoke, leather, dried cherry and licorice add to the wine's brooding, inward personality. The tannins are a bit coarse, but I don't see time making a material difference.
The 1996 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is another rich, explosive wine. Remarkably youthful and tannic, the 1996 could still benefit from more time in bottle. Although it doesn’t have the finesse of the very best Riservas, the 1996 is super-impressive.
The 1996 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is either cooked or very evolved. Regardless, it is impossible to assess this wine with any degree of accuracy, so judgment is reserved. In 1996 Soldera found himself with unusually low production, so he made only one wine, which is a blend of Case Basse and Intistieti fruit.
About the producer
Soldera is one of the most highly rated, fiercely collected wines of Italy. The winery is based in the Brunello di Montalcino, however the estate is no longer labelled as a Brunello, following a fall out with the consortium. Made from 100% Sangiovese, the wine is currently bottled as a Toscana IGT.