Biondi-Santi Il Greppo Brunello di Montalcino 1997 750ml (750ml)

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Producer	Biondi-Santi Il Greppo
Country	Italy
Region	Toscana
Varietal	Sangiovese (Grosso)
Vintage	1997
Sku	RD1831
Size	750ml

 

The 1997 Biondi‑Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows the hallmarks of a mature, classic Brunello: deep garnet color with subtle orange tinge at the rim, a nose of ripe red and black cherries, dried plum, a touch of leather, tobacco, and old cedar; also hints of rose petals and sous‑bois from aging. On the palate, it remains rather structured: firm, dusty tannins and bright acidity persist, giving shape and lift. The fruit retains freshness—red cherry, hints of wild herbs—balanced by tertiary notes of earth, spice, and forest floor. Reviews have described it as “dense and refined … superb intensity and power,” still somewhat tight but quite exciting.  While fully mature, it still has grip and structure, and benefits from decanting before serving; its peak drinking window is likely now through the next few years, depending on storage.

Biondi‑Santi is one of the foundational names of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate that essentially defined the modern identity of the appellation. Based at Il Greppo, the Biondi‑Santi family has for over a century maintained a philosophy of precision, patience, and respect for Sangiovese Grosso—using long aging in large neutral Slavonian oak casks, very low yields, and classic vineyard and clone selections (including the legendary BBS11). Their Riserva bottlings represent their highest ambition: only produced in very select years, from the best vineyards, and subjected to extended aging to allow the wine to mature slowly and develop complexity. In 1997, the vintage was strong, and Biondi‑Santi’s traditional practices meant that this wine was built for longevity without sacrificing purity or terroir.