Eric Guido on our 2013 Brunello.. an excellent vintage for Il Palazzone (95 points)

In the week running up to Benvenuto Brunello here in Montalcino, it was a delight to come across this insightful blogpost from Erico Guido, American wine writer and director of Wine and Marketing for the Morrell Wine Group in New York. It provides a great overview of the 2013 vintage after his attendance at the Benvenuto tasting in New York last month. There is useful background information about the weather and the general nature of the vintage. Be prepared for "medium-bodied wines with amazing finesse, vibrant acidity, a core of stimulating minerality and the structure to age." I find myself in complete agreement with the suggestion that the 2013 vintage combines the best of 2006 and 2008 and am similarly filled with excitement about the wines - and my own chance to taste this weekend when I will be surrounded by fellow producers and their bottles. Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino 2013 – The bouquet opened with a display of earth, undergrowth and animal musk, as notes of sweet and sour cherry, crushed flowers and fall leaves developed over time. On the palate, I found a soft expression, as silky textures were contrasted by saline minerality, before notes of sweet spice and ripe strawberry joined the mix. The finish was long and balanced, displaying fine tannin, tart cherry and a twang of savory herbs. This is an excellent vintage for Il Palazzone. (95 points)