Description
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1998
Winemaker Notes
Brunello di Montalcino was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for aging. Under the direction of Banfi's master winemakers, our Brunello grapes are transformed into a remarkable world-class wine, perhaps the most respected red of Italy. Aged for a total of four years, including a minimum of two years in oak barrels, Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of robust character. It possesses a rich garnet color, and a depth, complexity and opulence that is softened by an elegant, lingering aftertaste.
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino's regal qualities are best exhibited with game, red meats, roasts, hearty stews and rich powerful cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.
J.SUTTON 95 points
November 24, 2023 - This was a Jeroboam purchased directly at Banfi in May 2003. Was concerned it was past its peak prior to consuming at a large family gathering. The wine was amazing. Everything I love about Brunello was present. The Tannins had evolved to a point of perfection. I think the larger format contributed to its longevity.
ROGAÈS 91 points
January 8, 2022 - Beautiful deep garnet in the glass, tinged orange reflecting its age. Powerful nose led by leather, oak, dark fruit, forest floor. Little flat on the mid palate given somewhat lighter acidity, offset by some surprisingly grippy tannins. Moderate finish only, with subtle fruit, green, and perhaps a hint of mushrooms to cap things off.
Story:
This beautiful cellar was assembled throughout more than 6 decades by the late Clifford Harris, an esteemed collector and leading light of London’s wine scene for many years. The wines offered here were purchased from a select range of highly reputable merchants and direct agents, and subsequently stored (many with original paperwork) in a state of the art, climate controlled private cellar in regent’s park, before collection and inspection by Sotheby’s expert team. The classic tastes of this passionate collector are well-evidenced here, particularly across the impressive depth of cru classé Bordeaux on offer from the 1940s to 1990s, with extensive representation across first growths to fifth growths in all the historic vintages, and an amazing selection of mature Burgundy, both white and red, from the region’s leading addresses. Beyond France, we glimpse more of Clifford’s visionary tastes, with an amazing, very rare selection of original Californian legends back to the 1970s, alongside further new world gems and European icons.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Soil: vineyards in the hill area of the estate, with low to moderate incline. The soils develop on different types of sediments, from the clay sands of the marine Pliocene, deep soils with abundant and calcareous stones, to the gray-blue clays which are moderately deep mineral soils that tend to retain humidity.
Trellising System: spurred cordon – Banfi alberello
Vine Density: 2400 - 5500 vines/ha.
Hectar Yield: 65 q/ha.
Origin： Italy
Type：Red Wine
Grapes ：Sangiovese.
Alcohol：13%
Bottle Size : 750ml
