2002 Soldera Case Basse, Brunello di Montalcino, Riserva DOCG, Bottle (750ml)

RP96+ "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." AG for TWA Apr 2010

AG96 "The 2002 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous, understated beauty in a very challenging year that generally produced most wines. Not here. Soldera’s 2002 caresses the palate with floral and spice overtones, along with the inner sweetness that is typical of vintages with a late harvest. Silky tannins pull it all together on the close. I have had slightly more profound bottles than this, but the 2002 remains a triumph given the cool, rainy weather that marked most of the summer." AG for VM Jun 2024
This wine was labeled as 'Toscana IGT' from 2006, after 30 years as 'Brunello di Montalcino'. In some vintages Soldera made a 'Brunello di Montalcino' and a 'Brunello di Montalcino Riserva'