94
Ah to catch a fine wine at the apex of its evolutionary curve is a special thing. Verbena's 2009 Brunello will no doubt go another seven to ten years before the fading accelerates to the "drink up" category, but I think it's peaking now. Still some primary and secondary aromas lurking with violet, baked cherry, jammy red berry, tomato leaf, nutmeg, cumin and oak vanillin. But savoury is the order of the day as tertiary leather and tobacco gain a stronghold, and a touch of complexing VA. Elegance, warmth (the 14.5 ABV doesn't burn), declining acidity, dusty tannin and excellent length. Oct. 2018
93
92
good to drink needs 2to4yr. yet tasted Nov. 2015
92
good to drink needs 2to4yr. yet tasted Nov. 2015
92
good to drink needs 2to4yr. yet tasted Nov. 2015
92
good to drink needs 2to4yr. yet tasted Nov. 2015
92
Still quite deep ruby just ambering at the rim. Lovely nose of violets, spices and cedar -- almost exotic, maybe due to ripe vintage. True to its roots, however, with great savoury character that you look for in Sangiovese. Ripe and med-full bodied, with fine tannins and lots to chew on. Lingering finish. Enjoyable now but will hold for years. Very fair price for Brunello but can't help feeling that a top shelf Chianti comes close while leaving $10-15 in your pocket.
90
87
Just too much American oak derived coconut flavours for me. If blind tasting, I'd have guessed Rioja. Some good fruit lurking there, but why obliterate it with oak? Geez.....Tasted Oct 2017.
