91 2002 Brolio Chianti Classico 4/22/05 ($16)
Color: Very deep garnet, particularly for the vintage. (3.5) Bouquet: Refined bouquet of violets, dried cherries and dusty terroir with cigarbox. A little reserved at first, but balanced and opens with air. (3.0) Body: High acidity and solid fruit with some tannin and cigarbox supporting. Very well balanced and a solid middleweight. (3.0) Flavor: Acidity-propelled, rich cherry fruit with classy cigarbox. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but more reserved with raw beef flavors. Still long and refined. (3.0)
Overall: Brolio does it again. A fantastic effort for the vintage. I don’t think Felsina or Fontodi will match this in 2002, because they are probably not willing to declassify their Reservas to uplift their regular CCs to this level (Oh, the trappings of fame). Excellent stuff at a great price. (15.5)