The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was one of the most talked about wines of Montalcino when it was first released a few years ago. The black color the wine had in its youth has begun to recede, yet this remains a rich, almost Amarone-like expression of Sangiovese that achieves an incredible level of density and sheer concentration. According to Abbruzzese the early spring hail reduced yields dramatically, which accounts for the wine's super-ripe style. I am not sure if yields alone can produce a wine that is this extreme, my guess is that decisions taken in the cellar had an influence as well. Nevertheless, the simple fact remains that this wine is a freak. There is no other wine in the estate's history – before or after - that even remotely resembles the style of the 2001. This is an outstanding wine, but one that needs to be considered on its own terms.

Wow! This is amazing, a very sexy decadence to this. I am having a hard time believing it is wine. Tons of richness and excitement in this. Wow, again!

Black hued, with intense aromas of crushed berries and licorice with hints of oak. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. One of the best Brunellos I have had in a long time. Best after 2010. 2,500 cases made. James Suckling

Valdicava’s fully-saturated, almost black 2001 Brunello di Montalcino is a massively endowed effort packed with opulent layers of jammy dark fruit, licorice, cassis and earth. It offers great length in a richly sumptuous, concentrated style. I must admit this wine’s virtually black color is hard to understand but it is difficult for me to fault the absolute quality of what is in the glass even if the style is quite atypical. Hard to resist today, it also clearly has the stuffing to drink well to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2021.

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino shows no sign of its age through its color or bouquet. It opens slowly in the glass with a beautiful display of black cherries, cedar nuances, cinnamon and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar. It’s silky in texture with a pronounced inner sweetness, ushering in ripe red and hints of blue fruit enlivened by zesty acids. There’s only a slightest hint of tannin here. A framework of tension is found through lingering tart berries and savory spice that creates the perfect punctuation to this lovely wine. It’s amazing considering just how dense and powerful the 2001 was upon release. Today it is perfectly structurally mature, while remaining incredibly primary and fresh. I’d be interested in seeing where this wine is in another five years. I tasted this a full twenty-four hours after pulling the cork, and the 2001 was still as fresh as it was upon opening. Tasted from the importer’s reserve cellar.

Saturated medium ruby; atypically dark for sangiovese. Aromas of dark berries, bitter chocolate, gunflint and meat. Large-scaled, fat and sweet, offering a blast of blackberry flavor. This is almost too big for the mouth, but manages to avoid heaviness. Offers good vinosity, but still comes across as a bit youthfully musclebound today. Very impressive wine, but I never would have guessed it was Brunello.