COL D’ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, TUSCANY, ITALY, 2004

Overview of the Wine
As one of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino, helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. Tradition, integrity and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are celebrated all over the world.

Situated on the outskirts of the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino in Tuscany’s Siena province, the estate has a rich winemaking history that dates back to the 1700s. In 1973, the estate was purchased by the Cinzano family, who markedly increased the vineyard holdings. They are now the third largest owner of Brunello vineyards in Montalcino. Proudly defined as an ‘organic island,’ Col d’Orcia is committed to maintaining the natural environment in which it operates and has, for many years, employed organic farming practices. The entire estate includes vineyards, gardens, olive groves, tobacco and wheat fields, which are all farmed following exclusively organic agricultural practices. In 2010, the estate underwent the organic farming certification process and is now the largest certified organic wine producing farm in all of Tuscany.

The estate’ name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” due to its position in the undulating hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, southern orientations provide vines with abundant exposure to sunshine and vineyard soils comprised of limestone and marl facilitate natural irrigation. Located at about 1500 feet above sea level, the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata (5,700 feet) which helps shield the property from floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away.

The estate is currently owned and managed by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano. A world traveler with boundless energy, the Count is a tireless ambassador for his estate as well as the Montalcino region. Under his leadership, plantings have expanded exponentially at Col d’Orcia and the estate has been transformed into an organic farm.

Grape / Blend

Sangiovese

Origin

Tuscany, Italy

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

The wine has a deep ruby red color.

Ample and inviting on the nose. The spices of the oak enhance the varietal fruit of plum and violet.

Excellent structure on the palate, with powerful but delicate tannins. Rich in complex and inviting nuances typical of a great vintage. Very pleasant aftertaste.

93 Points – Ian Blackburn (a 2022 review of the 2004) – Posted Jan 2022.

Now at 18 years of age, this wine is still singing – in fact – the tertiary complexity is like a choir now backing up this classic offering.  The original wine featured ripe red cherries – still in place, mint (a signature of Brunello and still in place), minerals, tobacco and licorice in a medium-bodied style that is almost “claret like” in personality – there is this added dimension of time – a softening – reshuffling – and lovely display of grace.  The tannins have soften with time and melted together with the other core ingredients to show integration – I think Brunello needs 15 years to hit its potential and this is no exception… I’m adding a point to the scores below as this wine has not only withstood time, it devoured it…… This is a wine of grace, purity and superb balance and is elevated by time….  Anticipated maturity: 2024.

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous for its clarity, elegance and precision. Medium in body, the wine reveals ripe red cherries, mint, minerals, tobacco and licorice in a taut, medium-bodied style. Today the Brunello is fairly tightly wound, but it should be a beauty once the tannins soften somewhat. This is a wine of grace, purity and superb balance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

92 Points – Wine & Spirits

Under this wine’s scents of dark herbs and roses, there’s some initial reduction that needs air to relent. Beyond that lies a fresh and mouthwatering wine, with gentle tannins and potent black fruit—until you come back later, when the tannins seem potent and the fruit more accommodating. Either way, the textural weave melds the wine into a harmonious whole, needing age to show its best. To cellar four years or more.

91 Points – James Suckling

Love the fresh mushroom, dried dark fruits and cedar aromas that follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a tangy finish. The acidity is a little aggressive but it’s very Brunello in character. No reason to wait.

Product Size: 750ml