2005 Cupano Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
‘2005 is always characterised as a cool or moderately cool year, but it was warm until August. Then the rains came which put a brake on things and in some cases caused dilution. The stony soils, which stored the heat, helped to ripen the grapes.’ Deep ruby and still youthful. Sweetly balsamic and a little peppery. This pushes the fruit perfume button much less. There is some oak but that translates into spice rather than vanilla. Again, this vintage brings out the minerality rather than the fruit. Almost a little racy on the attack while the tannins are ever so slightly roughly hewn, but it is the acidity that electrifies the finish right at the moment when the fruit seems to fade a little. (WS)
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cupano 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is terrific and also one of the real surprises in this tastings. Then again, the 2005 was superb when it was young, so perhaps its showing today should not come as much of a surprise at all. Dark, powerful and expressive, the 2005 exudes depth from the very first taste. Beguiling Sangiovese aromatics wrap around a core of succulent black cherry, black olive, lavender, menthol and cedar. Still quite fresh, the 2005 will drink well for another 7-10 years.
Cupano's 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the unqualified successes of the vintage. A richly-textured core of perfumed red fruit flows from the glass, along with suggestions of French oak, tar and smoke. The oak seems more measured than it has been in the past, and what emerges is a transparent yet deeply expressive personality. The wine's inner perfume and expansive fruit follow through to the long, caressing finish. The 2005 is a wonderful effort from Cupano.
Cupano’s 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the unqualified successes of the vintage. A richly-textured core of perfumed red fruit flows from the glass, along with suggestions of French oak, tar and smoke. The oak seems more measured than it has been in the past, and what emerges is a transparent yet deeply expressive personality. The wine’s inner perfume and expansive fruit follow through to the long, caressing finish. The 2005 is a wonderful effort from Cupano. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. I still remember the first Brunello I tasted from Cupano, where I was and what I was doing. It was the 2001, and I was floored by the promise of this young winery, only in its second vintage at the time. Inspired by Henri Jayer, proprietors Ornella and Lionel Cousin follow an approach of low yields, full phenolic ripeness, natural yeasts and malolactic fermentation in French oak. I have long felt Cupano was on the brink of realizing its full potential, and the 2005 Brunello may just be the wine with which the estate makes that important step. Importer: Fairest Cape Beverage, Santa Ana, CA; tel. (949) 724-0320