2004 Italy
After the rain of 2002 and the excessive heat of 2003, all indications are that 2004 is a year to remember for all the right reasons for Italian wine.
A long, cold winter was followed by a cool Spring in the centre and north. Warm, but not too hot weather prevailed during the summer, leading on to a September and October with warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal for the long, slow ripening of wine grapes.
The results are fabulous in Tuscany with exceptional wines, likened to 1997 and 1999. Sangiovese is particularly successful across the region from Chianti Classico to Montalcino.
In the Veneto, the phenolic levels of ripeness in Valpolicella are very impressive, and it is a great vintage for Amarone.
Barolo & Barbaresco
A textbook growing season: a perfect fast flowering, fine summer if cooler than average August, the high quality Nebbiolo fruit was sealed by an exceptional September and October with warm dry days and cold nights allowing an extended `hang-time' and a later-than-average harvest, giving thicker skins and consequently bolder, riper tannins.
Indeed, to lovers of all fine wines, these Baroli and Barbareschi are structurally not a million miles away from the best of the classical Bordeaux 2004s, if with more stamina. Unlike the large production levels of Bordeaux however the quantities of Barolo and Barbaresco available are tear-jerkingly small. Built for the cellar, these wines should blossom from 2013 until 2024 and beyond.
Prices:
Case price (D. Magnum 1 x 300cl)
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 1cs
Case price (Imperial 1 x 600cl)
Imperial 1 x 600cl 1cs
Antoni Galloni - Vinous - May 2015
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Chris Pollington - Fine Wine Team
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum 6 x 150cl 1cs
Magnum 6 x 150cl 1cs
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
(Wine Advocate - Apr-2007)
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 1 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
(David Berry Green)
A beguiling nose of baked brioche and dried fruits (freshly made rum babas come to mind.) An impressive, rich palate follows brimming with notes of fennel, liquorice, prunes and bitter chocolate. A simply delightful, lingering finish dominated by smoky morello cherry and sweet cinnamon spice. Try it with a rare venison steak at dinner and you’ll sleep very well.
(Nicola Gilbert - London Shop Sales - 25 Jan 2010)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum 1 x 150cl 1cs
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 1cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Jeroboam 1 x 300cl 1cs
Jeroboam 1 x 300cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 1cs
The only word to describe this Brunello wine on the palate is massive; full bodied and spicy, packed with black and red cherry fruit, all tightly wound in a magnificent structure, fine tannins, mouth watering acidity and supporting alcohol, all in perfect balance. This is a monumental wine for the Cellar and will be magnificent in 2012-2014 and drink for a decade or two after that. A serious candidate for the best Ugolaia ever.
(Chris Pollington, Fine Wine Department)