I attended a tasting of 2004 Brunello's last night. I made cursory notes as it was more social than trade.
1st Flight:
2004 Tiezzi-Light weight, cherry, a bit of VA and slightly corked. Some disagreement over VA and cork issues but it had a weird high toned note that some thought was VA, I agreed. "C"
2004 La Palazzetta-A bit more advanced from an aging perspective. A nice richness and softness with core of acidity. SOme cedar and earthy notes framed by red fruit. "B-"
2004 Capanna-A brute. Darker in the glass than the others. Firm astringent tannins. More black cherry than red fruits. Needs about
10 years but may come around. "B-"
2nd Flight:
2004 Argiano-a bit dilute and light in the glass. Nothing wrong but nothing exceptional. Medium tannins and acid with restrained red fruits. Drinking well now but may improve with a few years of age. "B"
2004 Livio Sassetti Pertimale-Prototypical Brunello. Deep cheery followed by truffles and floral notes. Delicious and deep. Smooth yet firm tannins. "A-"
2004 Ciacci Piccolomini d"Argano-A little more depth than the Argiano. Fruit forward, ripe blackberry and black cherry, a bit of oaky vanilla. "B+"
3rd Flight:
2004 Pinino Clan Destino-This wine could have been made in California. Lush, plush, ripe, polished, smooth delicious... but not classic Brunello. Black fruits, cassis, thick and sweet. Lots of complexity. As a red wine..."A" as a Brunello..."B-"
2004 Il Poggione-Ripe red cherry and blueberry upfront. Anise, a little menthol and strong mushroom and mineral component. Well balanced and delicious. "A"
2004 Il Poggione Riserva-The only Riserva of the night and well wortht the wait. Multilayers, sweet black berry and blueberry notes, vanilla, truffle, cedar and anise. Smooth yet firm tannins. Delightful to drink. "A"