Looking Back at the 2005 & 2004 Brunellos
BY ANTONIO GALLONI |
Revisiting the 2005 and 2004 Brunellos is a terrific opportunity to gain further insights on these two very different vintages given that some time has passed since the wines were first released. The best Brunellos from both vintages have plenty to offer, although the finest 2004s are truly superb.
The 2005 Brunellos: Late Rains Have the Final Say
Interestingly, 2005 is remembered today as a warm vintage by some producers and a cold year by others. There is some truth to both views. At certain times during the growing season, 2005 was quite warm, but late season rains turned out to be the single most defining weather event of the year. Taken as a group, the 2005s are relatively compact, mid-weight wines that lack the structure, depth and ripeness of tannin that defines the very best years. With the passage of time, many wines have begun to fray around the edges and show the wilder, gamier side of Sangiovese. Very few 2005s will continue to develop positively from here. There are a handful cases where estates did better in 2005 than 2004, but they are few and far between. Readers will also note that only a small number of producers bottled Riservas. For more on the 2005 Brunellos, readers might want to revisit my original report on those wines.
The 2004 Brunellos: Quality & Quantity
Revisiting the 2005 and 2004 Brunellos is a terrific opportunity to gain further insights on these two very different vintages given that some time has passed since the wines were first released. The best Brunellos from both vintages have plenty to offer, although the finest 2004s are truly superb.
