1997 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The super-refined 1997 Brunello di Montalcino offers lovely sweet cherry fruit, earth and smoke notes with a soft, creamy texture and outstanding length on the palate. Immensely appealing today it also appears to have another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. Anticipated maturity
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Deep crimson. Sweet, full, smooth and rich, but with good acidity. Residual sugar. Residual sweetness and acidity in okay balance, but not enough in the middle. Flattering, but no real savour. (JR)
(Release date 1/1/02) Readers should note that with the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino, the label has changed to emphasize the proprietor's name, Livio Sassetti, rather than the estate name, Pertimali. Always a top-notch Brunello, the 1997 is staggering in its aromatic fireworks and concentrated, long, intense flavors. Sumptuous aromas of dried Provencal herbs, roasted meats, soy, spice box, asphalt, truffles, and black fruits linger in the air. Flavors of new saddle leather are added to jammy black fruit characteristics. Opulently-textured, full-bodied, and gorgeously pure, this wine creates an olfactory overload. Its low acidity, high glycerin, and huge fruit reserves suggest drinking it now and over the next 12-18 years. Mamma mia! A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411
(Release date 1/1/02) Oct 2001, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Sassetti Livio Pertimali is one of the leading estates in Montalcino – consistently producing some of the region’s top Brunello wines.