2001 Brunello di Montalcino Ratings

We had another large turnout for our Brunello tasting on February 15, 2011.  Brunellos are known as one of the most exquisite types of wine that Italy has to offer. 

Our guest speaker for the night was Julian Hitner.  Julian is currently the youngest member of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada, as well as a member  of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.  A big focus for Julian is sharing his wine knowledge with others, he is currently writing a new book on Champagne (to be released in late 2011) and he's developing a new wine instruction course at Liaison College (beginning in February 2011).

   Julian spoke of how these wines would fall into one of two categories, some would have vanilla or chocolate aromas, as opposed to some of the other wines that had been aged in Slavonian oak and would have a much more earthy or savory flavour.

The wines of the night showed a good uniformity with a few noticeable exceptions.  The group and Julian were in agreement with both the best and the worst wine of the night.  The overall winner of the night was the  2001 Tenuta Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino.  Julian described the wine as having notes of "Chinese gun flint" as well as hints of mature fruit.  It was a very complex wine with many layers to enjoy.

Final Rankings:

Name of Wine	Group Ranking	Guest Ranking
A. 2001 Poggio Antico	2	7
B. 2001 Tenuta Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino	1	1
C. 2001 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli	8	8
D. 2001 Costanti Brunello di Montalcino	5	3
E. 2001 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino	6	6
F. 2001 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino	3	5
G.  2001 Poggio Salvi	7	4
H. 2001 Mastrojanni, Schiena d'Asino	4	2

The reception wine for the night was a 2006 Nottola Vina Nobile di Montepulciano, which is currently available at the LCBO.