Brunello di Montalcino Case Basse 2002 Soldera

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

The 2002 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is simply awesome. A deep yet translucent red, the wine explodes from the glass with a muscular, structured core of fruit that totally saturates the palate. The depth and richness of the fruit is simply breathtaking for its detail, clarity and inner perfume. Today the tannins are rather imposing, so extended cellaring seems wise. Despite the reputation of the vintage, there is not a hint of greenness or unripe tannin here, just a firm, classic Brunello that will thrill those who appreciate traditionally made wines. In 2002 Gianfranco Soldera crafted one of exactly three Italian reds that are profound; the others are Giacomo Conterno's Barolo Monfortino and Miani's Merlot.

Jancis Robinson (19)

2002 was a terrible year. Gianfranco Soldera didn't want to pick but his wife, Graziella, insisted that they do and said that if he wouldn’t pick, she would. She and her sister selected the grapes. Just 6,000 bottles made from 10 ha – their lowest ever production apart from 2014. This is Gianfranco's son Mauro's favourite vintage.
Autumn leaves and light and fresh. Wonderful despite the vintage. Wild roses. Super fresh and mineral. Long and deep. Floral.

Vinous (97)

The 2002 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is developing into a surprising delicate, almost Burgundian wine. Refined and utterly weightless in the glass, the 2002 is all about precision. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries and spices linger on the finish. Although quite beautiful today, the 2002 is an infant, as the flavors remain quite primary. Tonight, finesse rules the day, but in previous tastings the 2002 has always come across as quite structured and tannic. This will be a fascinating Brunello to track for the next several decades. Tasted 2015.