Monday, February 23, 2009

Wine Review: 2005 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino

Name: 2005 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino
Producer: Castello Banfi
Region: Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino
Classification: N/A
Type: Red Wine
Variety: Sangiovese Grosso
Year/Vintage: 2005
Bottle Size: 750ml
Purchased: $19.99, PA Wine & Spirits (January 2008)
Date Logged: 02/22/2009
Pairing(s): 1) Sphagetti marinara with meatballs, 2) pizza
My Rating: 2-1/2 Stars
Rosso di Montalcino is the junior wine to the much more prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. The family owned Castello Banfi vineyard estate is the Brunello zone’s leading producer and has been described as a “constellation of single vineyards,” with a medieval castle crowning the estate. 2005 was supposedly a rough year for all growers in this region due to a very damp late summer. That may show in this particular bottle.

This wine wasn’t bad but was more or less forgettable. It had a really nice cherry nose after first opening that soon diminished after standing an hour or so. It maintained some decent cherry fruit on the palate, with a few earth tones hiding in the background, but nothing overly exciting. It opened up a little the second day and had a few more woody flavors, and a little bit of a bayberry component that I liked. It was easy-drinking and complemented the food reasonably well, and might benefit with another year or so in the cellar. For now, though, it just isn’t much to write home about, and a little over-priced at 20 bucks a bottle.

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