89+(?) 1997 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino 12/14/12 ($45)
100% Sangiovese 13.5% alc
Color: Medium deep red brick to black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Aromatic Tuscan terroir with cooking herbs and dried flowers complementing stewed red cherry fruit. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight plus with excellent tannins, but slightly lacking in fruit. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but less distinctive and somewhat restrained. (2.5) Finish: More expressive with tangy cherry, mineral and flowers lingering. (3.0)
Overall: Enjoyable with a meal and in fine shape for 15 years old, but surprisingly restrained. Dried flowers and Madeira-like complexity are its strongest attributes, but the fruit is not forward, making smooth black pepper tannins prominent. The color is starting to clear and the secondary flavors are mature, so I can't promise that the fruit will last, but could improve in the next few years. It did improve with extended air, so decant if drinking now. (14.5)
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