1988 & 1997 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino

Drank two pretty bottles of Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino this week. One was a 1988 and the other a 1997. These are two great vintages.

The 1997 Altero was very intense with ripe fruits, almost dried and pruney. It was full and round and soft with dried berry and spice. Balsamic and intense aftertaste. Drink now. 94 points.

The 1988 regular Brunello showed aromas of ripe fruit and cheese. Funky. But it was holding on well. Full and ripe with slightly rustic tannins and it turned a little acidic. Then it turned to prunes and other ripe fruits. Wonderful. 92 points.

Tasting the two a day apart reminded me how much better made the 1997 Brunellos were than 1988. The wines are generally cleaner and more precise due to better and cleaner winemaking. Yet they both age very well.