Brunello di Montalcino “Greppo” Riserva DOCG 2013

Tenuta Greppo di Jacopo Biondi Santi | Tuscany

09942213 · 0,75 l · 772,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available

Vigour and elegance are the hallmarks of the 2013 Brunello vintage. The top wines are breathtaking, possessing a charisma that is lacking in many of the muscular, accessible and higher-alcohol Brunellos from recent vintages. However, the 2013s will also require a fair amount of patience to reach their full potential. In contrast to the extremely warm, dry years that have become the norm in Montalcino since the mid-1990s (with the exceptions of 1998, 2002 and 2005), the 2013 vintage was a throwback to the past. It was a cool year with plenty of rainfall in the spring and during the first half of the summer.

So, in 2013 in particular, it was especially important to find the right harvest. The 2013 Riserva is complex, silky and translucent, yet also possesses remarkable depth, power and the classic Biondi-Santi rigour that will reward only the patient connoisseur. On the nose, which opens up slowly with aeration, there are delicate hints of lively red cherries, undergrowth and flint. Rich, dense and supple, with exceptionally precise aromas of red berries and minerals, accompanied by delicate notes of liquorice, chestnuts and undergrowth. The finish is very long and pure, with a seamless expression of classic Sangiovese aromas. Very promising and perfectly poised for the future! SUPERIORE.DE

"From a challenging vintage, as the rain diluted everything somewhat; 13.5% alcohol, matured for just over three years in Slavonian oak. A noticeably mature nose with slightly withered notes, dried sloe, sun-dried wood, and a very slight creamy, nutty quality. Delicate and rather slender on the palate, with a hint of dried mushrooms in the finish, a delicate, spicy finish, it has probably reached its peak, however, and should remain pleasant to drink for a few more years." Weinwisser

"A brilliant, intense ruby red with a pronounced garnet rim. Opens with slightly earthy notes, black truffle and a hint of anchovy, followed by plenty of ripe plum, with balsamic notes in the background. Very good volume on the attack; fills the palate immediately and richly, with plenty of juicy cherry fruit; displays finely-grained tannins in many layers; very good structure; the final reveals spicy notes of coriander seeds and a hint of saltiness." Falstaff

"Day one: A pale ruby red with orange highlights. Cool on the nose, yet intense and complex. Restrained, yet deep. Mineral notes of cherry and blood orange. Compact, transparent and with an embryonic rigour. Reluctant to reveal everything, yet the balance is perfect. Delicately powdery tannins and an elegant, medium body on the palate. The finish quickly settles into a state of calm. Needs at least another half a decade in the bottle.
Day two: A medium ruby red with orange highlights. On the nose, somewhat more brooding and introverted than yesterday, but no sign of oxidation whatsoever. Great purity of fruit. Mineral, peppery hints. Quite closed on the palate, but extremely refined with finely chiselled tannins and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit. Everything is a little better integrated, which shows that this wine still needs plenty of time in the bottle. Transparent and long, but closes up on the finish.
Day three: A slightly pale ruby red with a broad orange rim. The nose is even more closed than the previous day, but there are absolutely no signs of oxidation. A cool, sour cherry nose with a peppery tingle. Great depth, but more brooding than expressive. Hints of iron. Racy on the palate, yet unyielding, firmly closed off by the fruit and fine, long, powdery tannins. After being open for over 72 hours, it is still too young to approach." Jancis Robinson

"The 2013 vintage is the estate's latest Riserva, the 40th Riserva since 1888 and the first vintage in over 40 years produced without Franco Biondi-Santi at the helm. Due to rainfall in September, the family delayed the harvest until the end of the month, making 2013 a relatively late harvest for Biondi-Santi. The classic notes of sour cherry are complemented by orange, sandalwood and fennel. On the palate, it captivates with its spicy character, finely structured, sandy tannins and a subtle minerality. Restrained and refined, it flows gracefully, yet will still benefit from a few years in the cellar." Decanter

"Exciting and elegant, this red wine evokes aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, flowers, iron and rosemary. Harmonious in its linear profile and smooth, yet with sufficient tannins to ensure a long ageing potential. The fresh finish balances the fruit with balsamic notes." Wine Spectator

"A fresh, straightforward 2013 with notes of cherries, mushrooms and cedar wood. Plenty of blue fruit too. Medium to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a creamy finish. Still very dense, this wine needs time to open up; if you want to drink it now, try decanting it two or three hours beforehand." James Suckling

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva blossoms in the glass, revealing a blend of subtle power and purity. It unfolds more like a whisper than a shout, wafting towards you with a delicate bouquet of fresh violets, lavender and a hint of shaved cedar and clove. As it opens up further, it brings you back down to earth with aromas of wild strawberries and undergrowth. The textures are like pure silk, gliding gently over the palate, but what they leave behind is an engaging and classic blend of salty mineral notes and tart red berries, lifted by a juicy acidity. The wine then takes another turn, now moving towards the savoury spectrum, as notes of wild herbs and earthy undertones blend with a delicate layer of sweet tannin to create a youthful, austere yet not overly structured expression, leaving a lingering hint of tobacco. The 2013 vintage represents a fascinating interpretation of the Biondi Santi Riserva, trading the grippy, rough, almost rustic tannins of the past for a more youthful, harmonious expression. Will it age? Perhaps not for 50 years, but considering that this gem was opened and tasted within three days, I am convinced that it will remain exciting for decades to come." Vinous

"This fragrant and refined red wine still displays the estate's characteristic elegance and structure. It opens with enticing aromas of rose, iris, wild red berries and a hint of new leather. The vibrant palate is dazzling and almost ethereal, with flavours of juicy red cherries, pomegranate, star anise and a hint of forest floor. Tight, polished tannins and bright acidity ensure impeccable balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2013 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is an impressive wine in every respect. Its seamless integration and elegant complexity are what really stand out, and it's worth devoting a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that comes through so beautifully as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet opens with wild cherry, earth, damp ash, creme de cassis and plum chocolate. As it opens up, notes of dried tobacco leaves, sandalwood and mossy forest floor emerge. These lead to a delicate finish of dried herbs, bay leaf and a hint of rusty nails. The Riserva is supplied in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. On the palate, the wine is slender and silky, with soft tannins and a well-controlled alcohol content of 13.5%. The oak is kept to a minimum, offering mild spicy notes and the delicate aroma of sandalwood or dried figs described above. The fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine its liveliness and staying power. At this early stage, the 2013 vintage might be described as somewhat reserved or slow to open up, but this will prove to be a great advantage in the long run as the wine continues to develop in the bottle." Wine Advocate