Worth the money?

[wondersofwine]

I didn't get an answer under Talk With Your Moderators so will try here. I have the opportunity to buy some Bolsignano '97 Brunello di Montalcino for about $40 a bottle. It is said to be neither too new-oaky nor rustic. Could I have an opinion from someone more familiar with Italian wines. Should I grab a few bottles?

[winoweenie]

WOW, give Roberto a call. 800 WINE-EXPO. WW

[ExpatFoodie]

Well, I love Brunello, and I buy it frequently. I'm not too familiar with the '97 as it's just being released, but the '95 is great (if a bit hyped up). Here in Italy the '95 goes for around $25 a bottle, so that might give you an idea of where to start pricing. I might just grab a few bottles of the '97 myself, but in Italy I wouldn't expect to pay more than $20-$30 per bottle for recent Brunello depending on how good a year it is.

Brice

[wondersofwine]

Thanks for replying.

[Innkeeper]

IMHO it takes a good Brunello fifteen years to mature properly. So, plan to be patient. Have to admit that I recently bought a '95 from Roberto that he insisted was ready. It was less expensive that one would normally pay for one, but still plan on giving it a nice rest before popping.