1997 Brunello di Montalcino, Fattoria dei Barbi, Tuscany
Showing a brick red hue in glass, the 1997 from Fattoria dei Barbi reveals tobacco leaf nuances as well as elements of fully ripe, evolving red berry fruit on the nose. The palate is pure natured and very textural – similar leafy, red fruit characters are in evidence. This is a very harmonious style that hinges on fragrant, lifted fruit. A well-poised Brunello, not as weighty as some 1997s – this will prove attractive in its youth, and in fact could be broached from 2006/7 but will evolve for a further five years.