1983 Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera, Brunello di Montalcino

96/100 Vinous – Antonio Galloni, Drinking Window: 2023 – 2035 Antonio Galloni, May 2023 The 1983 Brunello di Montalcino is stunning. This is the first year in which Soldera bottled both a non-Riserva and a Riserva Brunello. The 1983 was made with Case Basse fruit and fermented in stainless steel (the Riserva was done in oak). At the time, Soldera had a long-standing argument with famed wine writer Luigi Veronelli, who strongly advocated the use of stainless steel tanks in fermentation. Soldera vinified the 1983 Brunello in tank specifically to challenge Veronelli. At forty years of age, the 1983 remains vibrant and full of life. Dark red-toned fruit, tobacco, incense and leather resonate in a layered, energetic Brunello that hits all the right notes. The 1983 remains the only Brunello Soldera vinified in steel.