2014 Marchesi Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello
Red as a ruby in sunlight and delivering equally bright aromas of stewed plum, pressed violet and poached pear. The medium-bodied, lusciously fresh palate offers delicate flavors of raspberry, almond and minerals. We think it’s divine, but if you need a second opinion, Vinous calls this “An outstanding Brunello, in fact one of the better ones from Antinori in years.”
There just aren't many on the level of Piero Antinori. Process this for a moment: He represents the 25th generation in an unbroken string of vintners, beginning in 1385. 26 generations! His family started accumulating knowledge about vineyard and cellar practices when Chaucer was working on The Canterbury Tales. It's difficult to comprehend. His lifetime experience cannot be overstated as he has literally been involved with wine his entire life. In fact, one of his first memories is of German soldiers shooting barrels in his family's cellars as Europe descended into chaos at the end of WWII. He has a truly encyclopedic knowledge of what it means to be a winemaker, and he understands that he is a vital link from his family's past to its future as the Antinori footprint expands across the globe.
Aromas of stewed plum, pressed violet, tobacco and a whiff of leather lead the way. The medium-bodied, linear palate offers succulent black cherry, crushed herb and star anise alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2020–2029.