Saturday, July 30, 2005

1999 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany)

Its been a little while since I’ve added a tasting note to the site between being on vacation (France and Italy) and weddings (my sister’s) but I’m back and I want to write about what I think is one of the best wine deals right now.

The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino vintage is rated 94 by Robert Parker and 97 by Wine Spectator and, along with the 1997 vintage, is the best in the past 10+ years.

Brunellos typically cost between $45 and $65 a bottle for the standard bottlings not accounting for Riserva or single-vineyard editions. However, right now Zachy’s in Scarsdale is selling the 1999 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino for $29.99 a bottle and I think this is a great deal if you are willing to go to the $30 a bottle price point.

Tasting note: This wine has the classic Sangiovese nose, is dark cherry red in color with a rich and velvety texture. It’s full bodied with a fruity flavor which I think is led by cherry. It has a long, soft finish that I think also hints at candied cherries.

Where to Find It: Like I mentioned, this can be purchased at Zachy’s for $29.99 and I’ve also seen it elsewhere on the internet for the same price but not in the New York area (Woodland Hills Wine Co. in California). The next best price I’ve seen is at Italian Wine Merchants on 16th St. at $39.50. Other prices listed for the New York area include K&D on Madison and 95th for $50.99, PJ Liquor on Broadway and 207th for $53.99, and Columbus Circle Liquor on Broadway and 57th for $69.99. It can probably be found in various other stores in the NYC area as it’s a fairly common wine.