Brunello 2009 and Riserva 2008 – the tasting notes

Here is  Walter's comprehensive report – the first, we think –  on the wines released in Montalcino at the beginning of this month. See also Brunello di Montalcino – a possible future?

First, an explanation: When I visited Gianni Brunelli's widow, Maria Laura Vacca Brunelli, of Le Chiuse di Sotto in the Montalcino South subzone, she said to me, 'I want you to meet my chicken', and presented the handsome fowl shown here. 

The shortcomings of the 2009 vintage
It seems, at least in Italy, one is being pursued by the same vintage over and over again. For example, the...