2004 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

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Brand: E. Fuligni
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Category: Italy
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: WS 95WA 94IWC 93

Classic Brunello from Fuligni

Fuligni produces a classic range of Montalcino reds - Rosso, Brunello,and Super Tuscan, all consistently judged among Tuscany's finest.

The vines, which extend over 25 acres, are primarily located at altitudes varying from 1250 to 1500 feet above sea level. Here, the land is made up of a predominantly rocky terrain. New vines have been planted on land which is a mix of "tufo" and clay. The average age of the vines is about twelve years while some others date back over thirty years preserving the old Sangiovese clones of the estate with a lesser density per hectare.

A thorough pruning is done which involves the important process of thinning out the grapes to ensure a yield per acre ranging, on average, from 2 to 2.5 tons of grapes. The harvest is done manually and includes the personal participation of the owners with frequently repeated walks between the rows of vines to guarantee a rigorous selection of grapes.

The grapes are vinified separately according to cru, in a classically inspired international style characterized by a strong backbone of acidity and smooth, polished tannins. After fermentation,they are aged in the restored convent, which was transformed into barrique cellar. The former convent's cool, cloistered tranquility supplies ideal conditions for their aging. The result is called by the Wine Advocate as "... a reference-point producer in Montalcino whose wines capture a middle ground between modern and traditional approaches."

Reviews

Wine Spectator 95 Points

Has a wonderful nose of roses, strawberries and sandalwood. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and an aftertaste of berry, cedar and light coffee bean. Caresses every inch of your palate. Very fine, yet chewy. Needs time still. Best after 2010. 2,265 cases made. -JS

International Wine Cellar 93 Points

Good deep red. Deep, vinous nose combines redcurrant, menthol, graphite, flowers and medicinal herbs. Big, round, rich and savory, showing more soil-inflected saline and mineral flavors than primary fruit. This focused, taut wine is not made in a sweet style but is quite elegant, finishing classically dry, with a broad dusting of tannins and a distinctive stony element. Give this some time in the cellar.

Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 94

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is simply awesome in the way it marries a gorgeous expression of ripe, dark fruit and a classic sense of structure. A rich, enveloping wine, it flows onto the palate with masses of black cherries, minerals, spices, tar, new leather and smoke. This is an exceptionally well-balanced and finessed Brunello full of character. The tannins remain rather firm but there is enough sheer density of fruit that opening a bottle on the young side is still likely to be rewarding. Simply put, Fuligni's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

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